Perak MB Ahmad Faizal Azumu loses vote of confidence

IPOH, Dec 4 — Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has lost a motion of confidence vote that was tabled against him at the state legislative assembly this morning.

Perak Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Kalid announced the results showing that 48 assemblymen had voted against Ahmad Faizal, while only 10 supported him.

“A total of 59 voting ballots were received on the motion. Ten votes were in support of the mentri besar and 48 were against him, while another vote was damaged,” he said.

Following the result of the vote, Mohammad Zahir adjourned the state assembly until December 9.

“I believe we need some time as I also must inform the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, of this matter.

“I believe the mentri besar will also seek an audience with Sultan to inform him of the same matter. Therefore, I adjourn this session until 2pm next Wednesday,” he said.

Faizal was reappointed the MB after the previous Pakatan Harapan administration he had headed collapsed following Bersatu’s exit from the coalition to form Perikatan Nasional.

“However, it has always been highlighted that this is a backdoor government. So as a second step to prove the legitimacy of the leader, I think this is the right measure to be taken in this assembly,” said Abdul Manap.

The confidence motion had been scheduled to be tabled after the presentation of the state’s 2021 budget but was brought forward by emergency motions from Salbiah Mohamed (BN-Temenggor) and Howard Lee (PH-Pasir Pinji).

Their motions were approved 45-9.

Faizal has since made a concession speech pledging to ensure a smooth transition to his successor.

* Editor's note: A previous version of this report incorrectly stated that Pengkalan Baru assemblyman Datuk Abdul Manap Hashim is Ahmad Faizal's political secretary and has since been corrected.

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