PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has dismissed his party member Hassan Abdul Karim's proposal for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reaffirm his legitimacy through three methods, calling it irrelevant.

Saifuddin clarified that Anwar's legitimacy as prime minister was already solidified during the first session of the 15th Parliament sitting in December 2022.

"First, under Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the authority to appoint a prime minister who is likely to command the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

"Subsequently, in that initial parliamentary session, Anwar secured his position with a vote of confidence passed by a voice vote. Additionally, the Dewan Rakyat approved Budget 2024 with the support of more than 140 MPs.

"Therefore, Hassan’s suggestion is irrelevant. We can't keep proposing a vote of confidence every year," Saifuddin told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, Hassan suggested the government table a vote of confidence when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes on Oct 14, or the opposition could propose a vote of no confidence against the PKR president.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim

The Pasir Gudang MP also noted that the upcoming vote on Budget 2025, scheduled for Oct 18, could serve as another measure of Anwar's support.

The opposition has reignited questions about Anwar’s legitimacy as prime minister, fuelled by recent comments from Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin concerning MPs' statutory declarations (SDs).

During a campaign speech for the Nenggiri by-election, Muhyiddin claimed that he had secured 115 SDs after GE15, which he believed was sufficient to be appointed prime minister.

However, Muhyiddin questioned why the then Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, did not summon him to assume the role of prime minister.

It is worth noting that while Sultan Abdullah had offered Muhyiddin an opportunity to form a coalition government with Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan, the Pagoh MP rejected it outright.

PKR MP proposes 3 ways for PM to cement legitimacy

PKR MP proposes 3 ways for PM to cement legitimacy

Anwar: Muhyiddin lacked support, some inked two or three SDs

Anwar: Muhyiddin lacked support, some inked two or three SDs

Muhyiddin's SDs had clause that voids pre-GE15 agreements: Bersatu

Muhyiddin's SDs had clause that voids pre-GE15 agreements: Bersatu

Muhyiddin's SDs not as simple as 'sports tournament', Azalina says

Muhyiddin's SDs not as simple as 'sports tournament', Azalina says