KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat (lower house of Parliament)sitting, the first under the Unity Government, starting Monday, is expected to attract a lot of attention as its main agenda includes the tabling of the vote of confidence for Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership as the 10th Prime Minister.
The vote of confidence aims to prove that Anwar, who took his oath of office on Nov 24, has the support of MPs to lead the new government after the result of the 15th General Election saw no political party or coalition managed to secure a simple majority to form the new federal government.
Anwar’s legitimacy as Prime Minister is expected to be unchallenged following the Cooperation Agreement signed Friday.
The four major political party coalitions – Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) – and Parti Warisan (Warisan) that form the Malaysian Unity Government signed the agreement to ensure political stability and drive the country’s economy.
The agreement, among other things, stated that MPs in the Unity Government who fail to vote or support the Prime Minister in motions relating to confidence votes, supply bills or procedural motions with effect on the federal government’s stability will be deemed to have resigned.
The First Session of the First Term of the 15th Parliament of Malaysia, scheduled for two days from Dec 19 will also witness the election of new Dewan Rakyat Speaker, the swearing-in of the elected MPs and the election of the Deputy Speakers.
Meanwhile, the approval on emoluments for civil servants would also be the first issue to be discussed at the Parliament session.
— NNN-BERNAMA