Deferment of Dewan Rakyat sitting not because the government is scared - Annuar Musa

The postponement of the Dewan Rakyat sitting to May 18 is not because Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is afraid to face a vote of no confidence, said UMNO Secretary-General Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

On the other hand, the Ketereh Member of Parliament explained that the procedure is being conducted in an orderly manner to allow for the appointment of the Cabinet members first.

Furthermore, he said, it was not a mistake for the Prime Minister to request for a postponement of the Dewan Rakyat sitting as it had not passed six months from the deadline of June 5.

"Some people said this is out of fear to have a sitting, thus it has been postponed. A friend of mine, a former minister, has been a loose cannon (on this matter).

“We have to understand it is not something deliberate that we are postponing it. We have to be in full compliance with the Standing Orders. And there should be a parliamentary sitting in line with the Constitution, "he added.

Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof approved the postponement of the sitting to May 18 after receiving a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Following the announcement, a number of parties claimed it was because the Prime Minister did not have the full backing to face a no confidence vote during the sitting.

Annuar said Muhyiddin should be given the opportunity to form his Cabinet to ensure the smooth running of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, especially during the oral question and answer sessions between the government and the opposition.

“It is impossible to have a sitting in April. Of course the new government would want to serve notice to appoint a new Speaker. We will need time to discuss among parties on whom we want to nominate to be the Speaker,” he said.