PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament this morning that the successful motion of confidence in his leadership has proven the “moral legitimacy” of his government.

Anwar said this in response to criticism from Perikatan Nasional (PN) lawmakers questioning his decision to table the confidence motion.

Anwar told the opposition that even though he had the majority to be prime minister, he had decided to proceed with the motion after PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin challenged him to prove his legitimacy.

“Several MPs questioned why I brought the motion. They should read the statement issued by Pagoh MP (Muhyiddin), who challenged me to prove my legitimacy.

“This was why, even though the law minister, the attorney-general and even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said there was no need for me to prove my legitimacy, I did so anyway to prove the government has moral legitimacy,” he told the chamber .

Yesterday, the motion was passed through a voice vote with backbenchers shouting out their support for Anwar while the opposition remained silent.