PM: Opposition has no strength to move vote of no confidence

The opposition does not have the numbers to initiate a vote of no confidence in Parliament, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“… For a long time, they (opposition) have not brought (a motion of no confidence). It has been a year (since the coalition government came into power). We have been waiting daily (for the motion), but it has not come.

“So we don’t think about it. I don’t think they have the strength to bring it (vote of no confidence) apart from using propaganda to hoodwink their supporters for them to not lose their spirits,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama at the sidelines of an event in Johor.

Anwar was asked if the opposition would do so following PKR lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim’s statement that the matter should be decided in Parliament instead of through statutory declarations (SDs).

Yesterday, the Pasir Gudang MP reminded the opposition to file the motion before Parliament convenes on Feb 26.

Commenting further, Anwar said that should be the proper approach.

“Otherwise, people will be constantly looking for it (SDs). Dubai Move or wherever. Now, it is proven that it is just ‘anxiety politics’ by those who are bankrupt (of ideas).

“So, I wish to remind the cabinet and government leaders to focus on developing the nation. For this year, we will focus on development and strengthening the economy,” he added.

The Dubai Move plot was first revealed by the Community Communications Department (J-KOM) deputy director Ismail Yusop.

He said the move surfaced during the recent vacation of Perikatan Nasional leaders, including government officials, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital.

Following this, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also confirmed the matter.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said several people including Bersatu member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, and blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris (Papagomo) would be called for questioning in connection with the Dubai Move.

He said the police have received 43 reports nationwide regarding the matter and the case is being investigated under Section 124C of the Penal Code, which deals with activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Let MACC do its job

In a separate development, Anwar, when asked if MACC would net more “big sharks”, replied that it was up to the commission.

“But I do not want people to think of this as something small, new or old. If the person has not committed any wrongdoing, then there is nothing to be concerned about because there will be a thorough investigation and prosecution will only happen if there is concrete evidence,” he added.

READ MORE: How Daim, M'sia's uber-rich use S'pore to store money offshore

Yesterday, MACC questioned Daim Zainuddin’s wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid and sons over revelations regarding the former finance minister’s wealth in the leak of international financial records known as the Pandora Papers.

Na’imah claimed that her husband was being persecuted because of his success and cautioned the government not to besmirch the reputation of individuals to “settle old political scores”.

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