KLUANG: The unity government remains strong despite attempts by the Opposition to destabilise it, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said Perikatan Nasional will try to bring a motion of no-confidence against the ruling government in Parliament.

“However, the unity government has the support of 153 MPs, more than two-thirds.

“This solidarity of the unity government MPs will remain strong and unshaken, regardless of what the Opposition in Perikatan tries to do,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Taman Kluang Perdana (Fasa 3A) affordable homes project here yesterday.

Also present at the event was Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He was asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s challenge to Perikatan to table a motion of no confidence against him in Parliament.

In a speech during Himpunan Keadilan on Friday, Anwar challenged the Opposition to file the motion if he really did not help the rakyat. 

“If it is true that you want me to step down, table a motion of no confidence against me in the Dewan Rakyat next month,” he said.

At the same press conference, Onn Hafiz denied allegations from Perikatan that the Jom Jelajah Orang Mahkota programme is an attempt by Barisan to woo voters in the Mahkota by-election.

Onn Hafiz, who is Barisan’s election director for the Mahkota polls, said Perikatan is simply playing up the issue as they have nothing to show in their efforts to woo the voters.

“It is not a political programme, but a programme for the people. Anyone, whether you are from Perikatan, Barisan or Pakatan Harapan, can attend.

“They (Perikatan) have run out of ideas and are using that programme as part of their political rhetoric,” he said yesterday.

Onn Hafiz was asked to comment about a police report that was filed by Perikatan over allegations of government machinery being used by Barisan in the Mahkota by-election.

Perikatan filed the report on Saturday and alleged that the two-day Jom Jelajah Orang Mahkota programme, which was attended by Onn Hafiz and other state leaders, is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

The programme, which was held between Friday and Saturday, included performances from local artistes and various activities with participation from state executive councillors.

The Mahkota state seat became vacant when its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain from Umno, passed away on Aug 2.

Sharifah Azizah won the seat in the March 2022 Johor state election by a 5,166 winning majority, beating three other candidates from Perikatan, Pakatan and Parti Warisan.

Polling for the by-election has been set on Sept 28 while early voting is on Sept 24.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/23/unity-govt-unshaken-by-oppositions-destabilisation-bids