Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reiterated his stand that a no-confidence vote should be tabled against the prime minister in the Dewan Rakyat.
This was among the contents of a statement which he issued today in reaction to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claim of having a majority support among members of parliament in order to form a government.
Dr Mahathir said he had anticipated there would be another round of political uncertainty.
“Everyone was well aware that Muhyiddin had a very slim majority – probably one or two MPs only – and if they withdrew their support, then he loses his majority.
“I believe Muhyiddin never had a majority but concealed the truth from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by bringing only the political party leaders to seek an audience with the king.

“I’ve been asking for a no-confidence vote to be proposed at the Parliament to resolve this matter since Muhyiddin was elected as prime minister,” he said in a statement.
Dr Mahathir said a no-confidence vote would resolve the current political uncertainty.
“If Muhyiddin survives the no-confidence vote, then it will be proven without any doubt that he commands the majority in Dewan Rakyat.
“If he fails, MPs can nominate a new candidate for the prime minister post and whoever secures the majority can lead the country without any doubt on legitimacy.”
While Dr Mahathir’s motion of no confidence technically remains on the parliamentary agenda, the PN government has effectively buried it by listing it after all government matters. This would exhaust all sitting time before the vote of no-confidence can reach the floor of the House.
On whether a snap election was needed due to the current political scenario, Dr Mahathir said it was not necessary if the no-confidence vote made it to Parliament, and such a thing was not necessary, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is up to Muhyiddin to make the call,” he said.
He also said Muhyiddin’s untenable position was demonstrated when Umno and Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s supporters expressed discontentment after the latter’s conviction on all seven charges in his SRC International corruption trial.
After Najib’s conviction, Zahid announced that Umno would not formally enter the PN coalition.
“Today, it is clear that what I predicted would happen is happening, when Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made that statement yesterday confirming that Umno’s support (for Muhyiddin) was conditional,” he said.
He then warned that the same would happen if Anwar comes to a similar arrangement with Umno.
“Although Anwar said he is not accepting the support of the six (Umno) MPs who are facing charges in court, it is certain that those who render their support for Anwar would be more loyal to Najib and Zahid.
“If both of their (Umno) leaders’ wishes are not met, they would react this (support) just as how they are now treating Muhyiddin, withdrawing the support and bringing down his government,” Dr Mahathir said.
Should Anwar succeed in forming a new government, he will be under the influence of Zahid and Najib, he added.
Dr Mahathir also lamented how his advice to Muhyiddin against cooperating with Umno, had not been heeded.
“Muhyiddin had said he was willing to cooperate with Umno en-bloc although he knew full well that he could be threatened by Umno if their demands were not met,” he said.