By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Aug 4: A confidence motion will be tabled in the September parliamentary sitting to determine whether or not Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin still holds simple majority support in the Lower House.
In a special live telecast today, Muhyiddin said this would be done to ascertain his legitimacy as the prime minister, which was approved by the King.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman informed the nation publicly that this had to be done as he had received a letter from the King stating that eight Umno MPs had written to the parliamentary Speaker indicating their withdrawal of support for him.
The King, the ruling coalition leader said, had cited Article 43(2)(a) and Article 43(4), questioning his legitimacy as the premier of the nation. This subsequently led to him holding an audience with the King at 11am today.
“In an audience with the King this morning, I informed His Majesty that I had received a number of statutory declaration letters from Members of Parliament assuring me that I still have the confidence of the majority of Members of the House of Representatives at this time.
“Accordingly, my resignation under Article 43 (4) of the Federal Constitution is not consequential. However, I am also aware that my position as Prime Minister is often questioned.
“Therefore, I have informed His Majesty that I will ascertain my legitimacy as prime minister in Parliament. A motion vote of confidence in me will be tabled in the Parliament when it reconvenes in September,” said Muhyiddin.
He said, by doing so, his position as prime minister and chairman of the ruling coalition will no longer be questionable as it is in compliance with the law and the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also promised that the Cabinet and the government administrative machinery will continue to serve the people and the country trustworthily and responsibly, especially in the handling of Covid-19 pandemic in the country. — DayakDaily
