As no confidence vote looms, PAS may be only hope for Najib
According to the statement made by 17 opposition MPs, including chairman of Gerakan Harapan Baru Mohammad Sabu, a no-confidence vote might be proposed during the next Dewan Rakyat session, from October until December, or even earlier.
Rizuan Shamsudin, The Ant Daily
After Muhyiddin Yassin’s dismissal from the Cabinet and reported talks between the Opposition and some quarters within Umno for a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Najib Razak in Parliament, the focus now is on PAS.
The second biggest Malay party might be the only hope for Najib.
According to the statement made by 17 opposition MPs, including chairman of Gerakan Harapan Baru Mohammad Sabu, a no-confidence vote might be proposed during the next Dewan Rakyat session, from October until December, or even earlier.
Though there are only 87 opposition MPs compared to 134 from BN, Najib can still be ousted if BN MPs who are also Muhyiddin and Shafie Apdal’s supporters join forces.
Shafie has his influence in Sabah, which has 25 parliamentary seats. In Johor, not only half of the MPs are with Muhyiddin, the royal family too is not too fond of Najib.
This group of MPs has promised to form a caretaker government until GE14.
This government surely will continue the ongoing investigations into 1MDB and other scandals.
If Dr Mahathir Mohamad – Najib’s most prolific critic – goes all out, he might want to urge MPs who are on Muhyiddin’s side to vote against Najib.
The only obstacle now is PAS MPs who are loyal to president Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Haron Din.
Hadi might use the opportunity to pressure Najib to allow Hudud law to be tabled in parliament, in exchange for support from PAS MPs.
PAS has 21 MPs, including those from the progressive faction – Khalid Samad, Dr Hatta Ramli, Kamaruddin Jaafar, Mujahid Yusuf Rawa and Dr Mariah Mahmod.
If the Opposition plans to oust Najib through a no-confidence vote, it needs the support of at least 24 MPs from BN.
On the other hand, PAS can offer 16 MPs (minus the Progressives) to Najib.
Thus it is not that easy to vote Najib out.
PAS’ stand on the 1MDB saga is clear from the very beginning – it won’t echo the call for Najib’s resignation.
Even though deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man occasionally criticises Najib, Abdul Hadi has never criticised the prime minister.
Haron Din even dismissed allegations that RM2.6 billion was deposited in Najib’s personal accounts.
These two figures who enjoy complete loyalty from PAS members must have their own reasons for not criticising Najib.
