He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the prerogative in this matter and can best decide how to determine if the prime minister has sufficient support.

This, he said, can be in the form of written or oral statements from MPs.

Takiyuddin was replying to Khalid Samad (PH-Shah Alam) who had raised the issue of the motion of no confidence against the prime minister.

Takiyuddin said Article 43(4) stipulates that if the prime minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of MPs, then, unless at the PM’s request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament, the PM shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet.

He added that Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution does not provide procedures for submitting a motion of no confidence against the prime minister.

Therefore, he said, such procedures shall be as provided in the rules of the Dewan Rakyat.

“A motion of no confidence against the prime minister can be brought to the meeting if it is in order and in accordance with Rules 26 (1) and 27 (3) of the Dewan Rakyat related to the motion,” Takiyuddin said.

The motion of no confidence is also related to Standing Orders 14 and 15 but government matters must be given priority.

“Other matters, including a private motion which also consists of a motion of no confidence, will only be debated after all government businesses are completed,” he said in his written reply.

He added a total of 25 motions of no confidence were submitted during this sitting.