Will Anwar survive the Dec 19 vote of confidence?

By admin-s On Dec 14, 2022

“Power is too tempting, far too intoxicating, certainly highly persuasive to care for principles and ethics.”

(Focus Malaysia) – ACCORDING to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Dec 19’s vote of confidence in Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be a crucial test for the survival of the latter’s unity government.

Since the PM had claimed to have the support of 148 MPs, with recent events affecting the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition in Sabah demonstrating that the Opposition lacks adequate support to form a new government, many are questioning the necessity of the vote of confidence in Parliament.  

Anwar’s response is that a vote of confidence, though it is not necessary, will enable him to lead the nation effectively and with a clear mandate.

These concerns are shared by an Aliran member in an op-ed published on its portal earlier. According to former Aliran president P. Ramakrishnan, a lot depends on whether UMNO can be trusted at this crucial stage to stand solidly with the unity government.

“If UMNO, for instance, is assured by [PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin] and company that UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be appointed PM if Anwar is toppled on Dec 19, will that lead to betrayal?” he questioned.

“Power is too tempting, far too intoxicating, certainly highly persuasive to care for principles and ethics.”