Kadir Jasin on the no-confidence vote: Muhyiddin can simply postpone sitting

KUALA LUMPUR (March 1): Supporters of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) may now be pinning their hopes on a no confidence vote against the newly formed government under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but veteran A Kadir Jasin (pictured) newsman warned that things would not be as easy as hoped.

Kadir explains in his blog that, first of all, Muhyiddin as PM can easily instruct the sitting to be postponed to another date.

Second, Muhyiddin can exert his “executive power to draw support from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s faction by offering position and status".

Still, all is not lost or as Kadir said: “The struggle is not over until the body is buried”.

Kadir said that PH can still keep the new government in check, especially in areas such as fighting against corruption and serious crimes involving Umno leaders, “as they have a large number of representatives in Parliament”.

Kadir also wondered about the future of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) within the new ruling coalition.

"If Mahathir quits Bersatu, whether voluntarily or expelled, many of the grassroots may follow him. But if he stays back, Muhyiddin's faction will find it difficult and uncomfortable to work with Mahathir after stabbing him in the back," he added.

"In conclusion, like it or not, the appointment of Muhyiddin as the eighth PM in such a questionable atmosphere will create confidence issue except among opportunists and those who shout the slogan of 'for the sake of religion, race and country'," said Kadir.