Bersih calls for confirmatory vote of confidence to prove support for PM10

SHAH ALAM - The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has called for a confirmatory vote of confidence (CVC) to be adopted as part of the parliamentary convention to prove support for Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister in Istana Negara at about 5pm, yesterday.

“We have long called for the CVC to be adopted as part of the parliamentary convention to prove support for the PM.

"This would remove any doubts as to the legitimacy and strength of the government and reaffirms the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance to Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

"The formation of a government is very important to be carried out behind closed doors with statutory declarations (SD) that are opaque," it said in a statement, today.

The electoral watchdog said Anwar must remember his promise to maintain a slim administration.

It also urged all political parties, particularly Perikatan Nasional (PN), to accept the results of the 15th General Election (GE15) and assume their opposition responsibilities to the new government.

“We need an opposition that is able to effectively scrutinise Anwar's government.

"Thus, the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government needs to empower Parliament and provide sufficient resources to the special select committees as well as the formation of a shadow cabinet," it said.

Prior to GE15, Anwar who is PH president, launced the coalition's manifesto dubbed "Tawaran Harapan", which focused on 10 main "offers" on the table for the people.

In its manifesto, PH pledged to focus on redeveloping Malaysia, which has been plagued by numerous crises, including ineffective policies and administrative weaknesses, health issues, a collapsing economy, rising costs of living, diminishing employment opportunities, food supply, and education issues, among others.