malaysia

Muhyiddin says tabling no-confidence vote against Najib difficult

March 13, 2016

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says too many lawmakers are beholden to the ruling party and lack courage to act against the prime minister. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 13, 2016.Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said it will be difficult to table a motion of no-confidence against the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, according to Sinar Harian.

The Malay daily today reported that Muhyiddin, who is Pagoh MP, admitted the attempt might be difficult because there were too many lawmakers unwilling to support it, as the move required majority support.

“It is one of it (the no-confidence motion), if the numbers are enough to bring change, but I foresee that it will be difficult because the MPs are not ready or brave enough to do it, unlike those in more advanced countries.

“In Malaysia, the culture of political patriotism runs deep. Cash is king and it answers all questions.

“We have 222 seats in Parliament and we need 112 to achieve simple majority to make a change,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

“Can that happen? Wallahualam (only God knows). We know there will be those who will make sure it doesn’t happen. With me alone, it will not, so we need the voice of the majority.”

On the signing of the Citizens’ Declaration with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other opposition leaders, which led certain quarters to attack him, Muhyiddin said the matter has been twisted.

“It may be because the matter was twisted. I am still an Umno member, and what I do is to save the party and the government.

“I do not deny that the other side does not view it in the same way but I hope this situation will not worsen to the point that we may be wrong,” he said, adding that he was not a traitor as alleged.

Muhyiddin told Sinar Harian that if Najib did not stop, the party would be burdened further and eventually, rejected by the people.

“That is why I am making this bold step ahead. It is not that I am betraying the struggle. I have a duty entrusted to me... even when I knew I would be attacked, suspended or sacked.

“Umno members should look at my efforts as an attempt to save the situation, not the work of a traitor destroying the party.

“If they remain silent, they will have to accept this calamity,” he said, adding that Umno members have no courage to face reality.

Muhyiddin also rejected allegations by some quarters that he was after the prime minister’s post.

He said he was not thinking of it but was more concerned with the fight to salvage the situation, rather than keeping quiet and being an accessory to the problem, and cause Barisan Nasional and Umno to crumble and lose power.

Muhyiddin was dropped from Najib’s Cabinet last July following his open criticism over the latter’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal and RM2.6 billion “donation” controversy.

He was also suspended recently as Umno deputy president. – March 13, 2016.