Opposition plans to turn Shahrir's motion into no-confidence vote

The Pakatan Rakyat opposition is planning to turn the government’s motion on price hikes, which is scheduled to be debated on Monday, into a no-confidence vote.

The issue of a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was raised by the Sabah Progressive Party this week when it said its two elected representatives would either back or move such a motion in Parliament.

But it is unlikely such a no-confidence vote will take place in Parliament when it resumes on Monday as no notice on the matter has been sent to the House speaker.

“However, it is not necessary to have a proper motion of no confidence to create a ‘no confidence’ vote in Parliament on the prime minister and the government-of-the-day,” said veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, MP for Ipoh Timur.

“I have been informed that the first item of parliamentary business after the 90-minute question time on Monday will be a motion by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad seeking support for the measures taken by the government over price increases of food, oil and commodities, including reduction of oil subsidies.”

Motion calls for support for gov’t

Lim said that this could be treated as a no-confidence motion “if there are enough numbers in Parliament to defeat it”.

The Shahrir’s motion, among others, urged MPs to support the government’s effort in slashing the fuel subsidy in the wake of unprecedented increase in global oil prices.

Early this month, the government cut its petrol subsidy, resulting in a price hike of 40 percent.

The motion, to be moved by Shahrir, added that the government’s move was necessary to reduce the burden on the economy and to ensure that only the poor and lower-income groups would enjoy the subsidy.

Of the 222 seats in Parliament, the ruling BN coalition controls 140, Pakatan has 81 and the last remaining seat is held by Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali, who is an Independent.

Within the BN, Sabah-based Sapp hold two seats - Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) and Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar).

It is clear that the opposition is seeking to sow further dissension within BN by opening the way for some disgruntled backbenchers to vote against the government.