Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

THE much-anticipated moment has come to pass when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim secured the vote of confidence in parliament today. 

The motion was passed via a voice vote – after much shouting and barbs-trading across the aisle. Newly minted Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul certainly had a lot on his plate, with his patience being severely tested. 

This is the first parliamentary sitting after the recent general election held on November 19, which then gave rise to a hung parliament.

Although the Tambun MP did not need to subject himself to this test as he already has a clear majority and royal blessings, he still insisted on going through it as he rightly appreciates the importance of gaining political legitimacy, especially in a political environment that has so far been anything but stable. 

Anwar wanted to lead the country with a clear mandate based on the support of the majority of parliamentarians so that he could undertake and focus on the task of rebuilding the nation.

In particular, the Anwar administration is expected to revive the sluggish economy as well as tackle the rising cost of living and increasing poverty.

It is hoped that with this mandate, Anwar and his team would not be easily distracted from the nation-rebuilding mission possibly by political shenanigans aimed at destabilising the government and hinder the progress of the nation.

Politics-fatigued Malaysians generally fear a Sheraton Move 2.0 lurking in the shadows.

To be sure, this is the first time since the infamous Sheraton Move that a prime minister had demanded that his political legitimacy be tested on the floor of the Dewan Rakyat.

The previous two prime ministers shied away from the vote in the august chamber. They relied on statutory declarations (SDs), the authenticity of which subsequently became suspect.

In the case of Muhyiddin Yassin, he resorted to a declaration of nationwide emergency during the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in parliament being temporarily closed down.

Many believe that the then prime minister conveniently avoided his baptism of fire, if you like, under the cover of the said emergency.

Equally disturbing, the temporary suspension of parliament meant that the government of the day escaped the necessary checks and balances during that period. Such a situation had an adverse effect on parliamentary democracy. 

Despite claiming a majority support of MPs through a show of SDs – and not on the Dewan Rakyat floor – Muhyiddin still harboured at the time a sense of political insecurity as indicated by the bloated cabinet that he led.

The Pagoh MP created many minister and deputy minister posts for MPs who supported him. These were clearly political rewards. 

This is apart from the so-called advisers and special envoys who were appointed by the prime minister concerned. 

The lack of political legitimacy of the said prime minister had another unsavoury impact.

More taxpayers’ money was wasted on the creation of positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) subsequently filled by MPs who lent their support to the besieged prime minister.

That is why it is of political and financial significance that Anwar took the drastic decision recently to sack all political appointees in the GLCs and GLICs. 

Only competent professionals should helm these government agencies so that they do not incur losses, but instead help further develop these outfits.

Seen from this perspective, it is highly regretted that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chose to defy the prime minister’s directive by reappointing Umno politician Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub as Felcra chairman.

Leaders of the “unity government” cannot be seen working in cross-purposes if its legitimacy and survival are to be sustained throughout the entire term. Hiccups must be minimised.

The Malay-dominated Perikatan Nasional, on the other hand, is expected to play a role befitting a respectable opposition and government-in-waiting, offering constructive criticisms and alternative ideas for the benefit of the entire nation.

It is hoped that the vote of confidence that Anwar just secured would help boost his commitment to work for the betterment of the ordinary folk. – December 19, 2022.