KUALA LUMPUR: No MP has submitted a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The Dewan Rakyat Speaker said as of yesterday, he had yet to receive any request to file a motion of no-confidence against Anwar.
“There is no letter or request for a motion of no confidence. I have not received anything, until today, so nothing will be happening,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners at the Parliament building yesterday.
Previously, Anwar had challenged the Opposition to bring a vote of no-confidence in the Dewan Rakyat if they planned to topple the government.
The Dewan Rakyat will convene on Feb 26, starting with the royal address from the King.
Meanwhile, Johari said the six Bersatu MPs who had expressed their support for Anwar can write to the Speaker’s office if they wish to change their seating arrangements.
He said the six Bersatu MPs did not have to vacate their seats they won in the last general election as per the anti-hopping law.
“However, if they wish to move, they can write to me stating their reasons for switching their seats and I will look into it,” he added.
On Jan 24, Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkaperi Hanapi, from Bersatu, officially recorded his support for Anwar.
The other five Bersatu MPs are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
“For example, they can say they want to move from place A to place B ‘because you know, I don’t like my neighbour because he likes to shout or maybe he likes to eat petai’ or whatever it is (the reason),” said Johari.
However, he added that this would depend on a request and as long as there is space.
“Sometimes, for example, we have MPs who have been dropped as ministers, so they will move.
“Moving from one place to another is quite normal,” added the Speaker.
Bersatu will hold a special general assembly on March 2 to amend its constitution to prevent more of its leaders defecting without triggering a by-election.
On another note, Johari said the tabling of the proposed Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) Bill is still very much on the cards for this year, adding that there are certain things to iron out first.
“Yes, it is coming. We hope to see it happen.
“We have yet to receive the Bill, but I hope the minister will come up with it, if not this sitting probably the next sitting (meeting),” he added.
Johari said Anwar has stressed several times that the separation of powers must take place.
“That is why we are pushing for the ministers to look into it fast. The draft was there and all agencies involved have talked about it,” he added.
The Parliamentary Services Act was first enacted in 1963 but repealed in 1992.
Johari also said the compulsory medical check-up will be made into an annual affair.
“Alhamdulilah, everyone including the Prime Minister has had their (check-up),” he said.
Similarly, MPs will be notified to do their medical check-up for this year.
“This is very important because we want to keep our MPs healthy,” said Johari, adding that some may have underlying health conditions despite appearing healthy.
He said this is why MPs are required to go through a health screening.
“It is very expensive to run a by-election so we must make sure they finish their term,” he said.
He reiterated that he has seen at least 11 MPs collapse during his time in the House over the past 15 years.
In September, Johari announced that all MPs had to undergo a mandatory health examination by Oct 31 as a precautionary measure.
