KUALA LUMPUR: The strength of the support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat has been put to the test.
A motion on a vote of confidence was tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Petra Jaya) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul said 12 members of parliament would debate the motion and each would be given 10 minutes to do so.
When tabling the motion, Fadillah thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consenting to the formation of a unity government led by Anwar.
He emphasised the importance of MPs supporting Anwar, saying a united front among lawmakers would ensure political and economic stability in the country.
"The 15th General Election led to a hung Parliament, with no single political party or coalition securing a simple majority. This had never happened before in this country.
"Proposing a unity government is a reflection of His Majesty's farsightedness and his concern for political stability and the people's wellbeing.
"This unity government is committed to shouldering the people's trust. The government is preparing new strategies for political, economic, social and climate change and other challenges," he told the house.
As a global economic downturn is expected in 2023, he said, it was vital for MPs to fully support the federal administration to boost the confidence of investors and the business community.
He said MPs' cooperation would push the unity government to ensure a stable political climate, prosperous economy and unity among multi-racial Malaysians.
"This house must give its full support to Tambun (Anwar) as prime minister to allow him to fulfil his responsibilities and duties.
"This house will fully support the leadership of Tambun as the 10th prime minister."
At press time, there were no results for the vote of confidence.
Unofficial reports claim that Anwar secured two-thirds majority support from 148 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.
