However, one Bersatu MP said, a confidence vote at this juncture was not necessary because polls could be called next year.
This was following the revelation that the parliamentary order papers released today to MPs did not list the confidence vote on the prime minister.
Amanah’s Shah Alam MP Khalid Abdul Samad said without the floor vote, the government would suffer the same confidence crisis experienced by the Muhyiddin Yassin government.
He disagreed with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s notion that the voting would lead to instability, saying the opposite was true.
“It is very worrying when all seem to come up with arguments as to why there is no need for a confidence vote,” he told FMT.
“It is not a positive signal for the country and the world after news that Malaysia achieved some sort of political stability following the change in the PM and the government.”
Man up and take the vote
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said a prime minister like Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who had come into office in the middle of the term, should have his confidence tested.
He gave the examples of Hussein Onn and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who had theirs tested within a week of taking office.
The PKR MP said if Ismail refused to do so, he would run afoul of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree on getting a confidence vote.
He said the reluctance now could be likely due to continued infighting between ruling parties Umno and Bersatu, and also within factions in Umno itself.
“The government is unstable, that is why the PM is jittery to test his majority in the house. By avoiding this confidence vote, it sends the wrong message to the public and investors.
“The PM has to man up, have the courage to take a vote in the house,” he said.
Focus on governing
Bersatu’s Nibong Tebal MP Mansor Othman said the focus should be on governing and less politicking at a time of the pandemic and economic crisis.
He said with the general election not far away, a cooling-off period should be enforced until then, rather than risk another round of uncertainty.
“We should move on, focus on serving the people. A full mandate can be obtained next year. For now, let us settle down and deliver our best to the people,” he said.
Recently, Attorney-General Idrus Harun said there was no need for a confidence vote since the King had already appointed a prime minister and those who disputed it were questioning the monarch’s authority.
However, his remarks drew brickbats, with politicians and analysts saying the Dewan Rakyat has the last say on confidence in a prime minister.