Vote of no confidence is a provision in the Federal Constitution - Dr Mahathir

Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said a vote of no-confidence is totally democratic.

Dr Mahathir, in the latest posting on his blog (chedet.cc) said, although Parliament may not have any provision for vote of no-confidence, the Constitution -- the supreme law of the country -- states otherwise.

“Article 43 (4) of the Federal Constitution states if the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet,” said Dr Mahathir.

He also questioned if the speaker of the Parliament chooses to ignore the Constitution and disregard the process.

Dr Mahathir said that he wrote the posting after he read a report stating that the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat would not allow a motion of no-confidence to be tabled in Parliament.

On September 7, Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin was quoted saying there is no provision in the Parliament's Standing Order which allows a Member of Parliament to table a motion of no confidence.

Pandikar Amin stressed that only the Speaker has the right to accept or reject such a motion.

“No Ministers can reject any motions including the Prime Minister. Only the Speaker holds the power,” he said.

When asked about the decision, Pandikar Amin quipped, “I will cross the bridge when I get there.”

Prior to this, opposition leaders reported that they would table a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister at the upcoming Parliament session on October 19.