Malaysia's Attorney General Disputes Need To Call Vote Of Confidence

Malaysian Attorney General Idrus Harun argued over the weekend that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri doesn't have to table a motion of confidence and have the support for his government tested in parliament. Without using the phrase "vote of confidence", the new Attorney General suggested that if the appointment of Prime Minister required formal confirmation by lawmakers, it would undermine the King's constitutional "absolute power" to name a candidate he thinks is backed by majority of MPs.

• Recall that after Ismail Sabri's appointment as new Premier, the Royal Palace said that he "shall submit a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat as soon as possible to legitimise the trust that he gained from the majority of the members of the Lower House".
• Malaysiakini cited several lawyers who disputed Attorney General's argument, while legal experts interviewed by Malay Mail were divided over whether Ismail Sabri needs to call a vote of confidence.
• Elsewhere, Ismail Sabri's predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin has been named Chairman of the government's Covid-19 task force. In the final months of his tenure, Muhyiddin faced mounting criticism over his reluctance to reopen parliament and face a confidence vote.