MALAYSIA’S new Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said he would face a confidence motion in parliament to prove that he has the numbers needed to form a government.

“This will be the first order of business for this government when parliament convenes,” he said in a press conference in Sungai Long, Kajang.

Anwar also took a swipe at former prime minister and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, saying he is unlike the latter when it comes to proving his support in Parliament. 

“Muhyiddin has thrown a challenge to test our strength, which he does not need to do but I’m not a prime minister like him who avoids it,” Anwar said. 

“In fact, I have asked Pakatan Harapan (PH) to propose a motion of no confidence on the first day of parliament,” he added. 

Anwar, who is the Tambun MP, claimed he has the support of almost 140 lawmakers. 

Apart from his PH coalition which has 82 seats, the prime minister said the members of his unity government are Barisan Nasional with 30 seats and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) with 23. This would make a total of 135 seats.

Parliament is slated to convene on December 19. 

Anwar also said that under the spirit of unity government, they are not discounting any possibilities of working with other parties or coalitions, including PN. 

“We are appreciative of the fact that we now have the full commitment from 30 BN MPs.”

“And today, the premier of Sarawak Johari Abang Openg gave his firm commitment that the MPs from GPS will be part of the unity government.

“But this does not rule out the participation of other parties, I’m a Prime Minister for all Malaysians of all races and guarantees the harmony of all the people of this country. So, I’m still ready to accept others to make this country stable.”

“I want to express the readiness (to accept) my friends, including from PN, even though their chairman’s statement at the initial stage was not very encouraging,” he said.

Anwar took the oath as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister today.

He also announced that next Monday would be a special public holiday. 

Anwar said he had made a promise of declaring a public holiday and wants to keep his word.

He said he had discussed the matter with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The ringgit has been strengthened, so has Bursa (Malaysia).”

“Therefore, I want to announce that tomorrow will not be a public holiday, but the following Monday will be made a public holiday.”

“I have promised a public holiday but because of the political impasse, things weren’t settled on Monday.”

“I’ve told the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I have made this promise for Monday, so now it’s settled and next Monday will be made a public holiday,” Anwar said at his first press conference as prime minister at Sungai Long. – November 24, 2022.