PETALING JAYA: The parliamentary majority of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister will be determined during the Sept 7 Dewan Rakyat meeting because a motion of confidence has already been scheduled for that date, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
A notice has already been issued by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun for the confidence vote to be tabled on that date.
“For now, that is the date and a notice has been issued by the Dewan Rakyat speaker for it to be held on Sept 7,” he told reporters during a virtual press conference yesterday.
Asked if the King had requested for a date earlier than Sept 7, Saifuddin refused to answer, saying he could be committing an offence under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to answer your question. I will be committing an OSA offence if I answer your question,” he added.
Saifuddin said Muhyiddin did emphasise the importance of holding the vote of confidence on Sept 7.
“In politics, everything is possible.
“I think Muhyiddin is cognisant of the importance of the vote and he also understands that there are people who want this vote to be organised earlier than September.
“As far as I am concerned, the Speaker has issued the notice. It is Sept 7,” he said.
The September Parliament session will run for a period of 15 days beginning Sept 6 until Sept 30.
Meanwhile, Bernama reports that Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee has dismissed speculations that Muhyiddin is resigning soon.
“Haven’t heard such a rumour,” he said when asked on the viral message claiming that Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, tendered his resignation effective yesterday.
Ronald, who is also Bersatu vice-president, was approached after attending the ministry’s Prihatin programme here.
He said that Perikatan Nasional component parties would continue to give their undivided support to Muhyiddin to lead the government.