KUALA LUMPUR: In a unexpected move, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to seek a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the Dewan Rakyat rather than a proclamation of emergency.
He said Parliament is the best place to test the country’s political stability and level of confidence in Muhyiddin.
He pointed out that government business takes precedence in the Dewan Rakyat and the motion should be tabled as a part of government business.
“Let the government make it a priority, which is to bring this vote of confidence,” Ahmad Zahid (BN-Bagan Datoh) said while debating the Budget 2021.
The proposal was met with approval from the other MPs.
Ahmad Zahid said any attempt to declare a nationwide emergency should be rejected by all MPs as a declaration of emergency recently sought by Muhyiddin’s government is not an option as the King and the Conference of Malay Rulers had rejected the idea.
He added an ideal option would be to return the mandate to the people by holding elections but considering the current pandemic, all MPs should unite.
He also touched on political dishonesty, saying sincerity should be proven through actions rather than mere words.
“There shouldn’t be questions about who contributes more and who should feel indebted,“ he said.
Ahmad Zahid said there must be honesty in politics and it is not just about verbal agreement but about implementation.
Yesterday was the last day for the debate on the Budget before it moves to the committee stage on Monday.
The parliamentary sitting ends on Dec 15.
