VOTES of no confidence against those in power are part and parcel of a democratic system, said the prime minister’s media and communications adviser A. Kadir Jasin, as rumours of such a vote against the prime minister swirls. 

Speculation of a no-confidence vote to be made in Parliament against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had emerged after he allowed seven ex-Umno members to join Bersatu. 

The move was seen as a way for Dr Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairman, to strengthen his position, as talk of a plot for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to replace him as the country’s leader also continues unabated. 

Kadir said there have been past instances of a no-confidence vote being held on a state level, citing the case of a menteri besar being ousted after majority of the state’s legislative assembly submitted a vote of no confidence. 

Kadir also questioned why such things cannot be done as it is a legitimate part of the democratic process.

“The issue is, we are unable to understand the true meaning of democracy. Why be disheartened if there are quarters wanting the prime minister to resign?” he said at a Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

“I am not involved in the movement to defend the prime minister because there is no need to. A no-confidence vote is part of the democratic process.”

He said DAP Johor committee member Dr Boo Cheng Hau’s call for the prime minister to resign was proof that healthy democratic processes existed within Pakatan Harapan.

“I am sure an MP or state assemblyman in the former ruling coalition would have been sacked if he had  criticised (former prime minister) Najib Razak during the Barisan Nasional era.”

On Tuesday, Dr Boo had urged the prime minister to also relinquish his position Bersatu president after accepting the ex-Umno members into the party. – February 21, 2019.