PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional MPs will not support a motion of no confidence in the event it is raised when Parliament reconvenes.
In a collective statement, Barisan said its MPs would uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree following a special meeting of Malay Rulers on June 16, where His Majesty stressed the need to reconvene Parliament as soon as possible and to strengthen present steps to tackle Covid-19.
“In line with that, MPs from Barisan and Umno agreed for Parliament to reconvene according to the present Standing Orders or according to any required amendments.
“We are hoping for the coming Parliament session to focus on issues faced by the rakyat during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Therefore, and to uphold the King’s decree to (lower) the current political temperature, we agree not to support any motion of no confidence in the event it is raised,” read the statement on Wednesday (June 23).
Umno vice president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, when contacted, confirmed the authenticity of the statement,
“This is a statement from Barisan MPs and not me alone. It is a collective statement,” he said.
The statement was earlier signed off by Ismail Sabri, but a correction was later issued, clarifying that the statement was signed off by Barisan MPs.
The Barisan chairman is still Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and such statements are usually signed off by the chairman, president or secretary-general of the party.
Meanwhile, the statement also said Barisan MPs had agreed to support the National Recovery Plan tabled by the government to strengthen steps to control Covid-19 in the country.
“Ministers and deputy ministers from Barisan will ensure full commitment in carrying out their respective duties, especially tasks and portfolios that are directly related in controlling Covid-19, vaccination as well as economic recovery for the people and the country.”
The statement also said all Barisan MPs are committed to ensure the continuity of livelihoods while focussing on safety, harmony and the country’s future.
Speculation of division within Umno has been rife after Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz revealed on Wednesday that 25 Barisan MPs had signed statutory declarations (SD) supporting Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as prime minister.
According to Nazri, the SDs were signed by these MPs, including himself, because they did not have confidence in Ahmad Zahid, who purportedly gave a letter to the Agong pledging support of all Umno MPs for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
Nazri said Umno MPs were disappointed with Ahmad Zahid, adding that many were doubtful that he would not repeat the mistake during his next audience with the King.
On June 16, the King had called for Parliament to be reconvene, after granting audiences to several party leaders over the previous week to deliberate the Covid-19 situation and the Emergency proclamation that is due to expire this August.
by 
