ISKANDAR PUTERI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged the opposition to bring a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat if they want to overthrow the government.
The prime minister said that the unity government has provided an opportunity for a vote of no confidence, but the opposition has not taken up on the offer.
"We've been waiting for (the vote of no confidence) for a long time… for a year. Every day we wait, but nothing happens. So, we don't think much about it. I don't think they have the numbers to bring this in (statutory declarations (SDs) to overthrow the government) other than propaganda to deceive supporters so they don't lose spirit.
"I disagree; if you can't bring about change, you should work for the people. The people will make the final choice," he said.
He told reporters this after a friendly session with officers and staff of Tanjung Pelepas Port here, today.
He commented on the suggestion by Pasir Gudang member of parliament (MP), Hassan Abdul Karim, that support for a prime minister should be decided by a vote of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat rather than based on SDs.
Yesterday, Hassan was reported to have commented on a blog post by Raja Petra Kamaruddin, alleging that the opposition had successfully obtained about 120 SDs to bring down Anwar's administration.
Continuing his comments, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman and PKR president, said that Hassan's view on a vote of no confidence is the right step for the opposition.
"That's the right view because when people ask...take the Dubai move. Now it has been proven that it's just an anxious strategy among those who have lost ground.
"I advise the cabinet, leadership, and government to focus on developing the country. In 2024, our focus is on the development and integrity of the country," he said.
Asked whether the alleged SDs held by the opposition were invalid, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he did not know the authenticity of those claims.
"If there are (SDs), I don't know," he said.
Yesterday, the media reported that Perikatan Nasional (PN) already has sufficient SDs to change the government, which was deemed unacceptable.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have said that the SDs are invalid.
Last Sunday, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was reported to have said that PN already has enough SDs to overthrow the unity government.
However, Sanusi, who is also PN's election director , did not provide detailed information, including the number of SDs obtained.
Nevertheless, last Saturday, the opposition leader's office denied claims that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted permission for 118 PN MPs to meet with him along with their respective SDs.
The statement was allegedly issued by PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, as circulated on social media, and has been confirmed by his office as false.
