Hadi: Some fear vote of confidence for Dr M but PAS is no coward

PAS reaffirmed its commitment to table a vote of confidence for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the Dewan Rakyat sitting next month.

Party president Abdul Hadi Awang said this was part of the democratic process, which would allow MPs to vote on the matter.

“We know there are 'cowards' (penakut). Afraid of this motion. We (PAS) are not afraid. It doesn't matter even if our motion is not supported, we are accustomed to losing.

“What is important is that we want to save the nation. Not just the Malays and Muslims but other races as well,” he was quoted as saying by Harakah Online.

According to Hadi, the 94-year-old premier is still the best person to lead the nation and should be allowed to do so until his term expires.

“Mahathir has the experience... It is not to say there are no problems (under his leadership), there are. But we are confident (Mahathir) can overcome them.

“We are asking that (Mahathir) is given the confidence to be prime minister until the end of his term. This is our suggestion and it is a reasonable suggestion,” he added.

Hadi also noted how the Lebanese Parliament had backed the cabinet and financial plans of Prime Minister Hassan Diab earlier this week.

'I am not apple-polishing. I want to save the nation'

Quizzed on the reasons some feared the motion, the Marang MP said these lawmakers do not have confidence in Mahathir or are worried that the motion would expose their stand on the matter.

Hadi said a unanimous vote of confidence for Mahathir would show that all parties are in agreement and it would strengthen the latter's position as prime minister.

Furthermore, he argued that it would also receive the support of the people because the lawmakers were elected by them.

“If there are those who disagree, we know who they are. Let it be,” he added.

Hadi also claimed that even DAP and Amanah are divided on this issue.

“In my view, Pakatan Harapan is not united... DAP is also divided. PAN (Amanah) is also not united.

“Instead of politicking with each other, let us solve this problem by giving Mahathir the trust to manage the nation and close the door on this internal crisis,” he added.

The veteran politician said there are numerous problems plaguing the nation ranging from economic to security issues because there is no focus on administration, therefore necessitating the vote of confidence.

“And we (PAS) are not afraid. There are those who are cowards. What are you afraid of? I am not apple-polishing (Mahathir), I want to save the people...,” he added.

"This is more about the people. (So that) there will be no issue of who would take over, who would be the prime minister."

At a press conference in Langkawi this afternoon, Mahathir reiterated that he would step down after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November.

Yesterday, his designated successor, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, said the transition process would be finalised at next week's Harapan presidential council meeting.

Anwar also claimed there is a “cunning plot” to keep Mahathir in power by “PAS, a group from Umno and a small number in PKR.”

However, he said the premier is not involved.