Speaker to decide on no-confidence motion by noon

KUALA LUMPUR: All eyes are on the outcome of an emergency motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Cabinet today.

Filed as a non-voting motion under Standing Orders 18 (1) and (2), by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail last Thursday, the motion is meant to discuss the performance of the Barisan Nasional Government rather than to elicit a vote.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia will decide on the motion at the end of Question Time at about 11.30am today.

“I am well prepared,'' said Pandikar Amin when contacted yesterday, showing he was ready for an eventful day.

He also said there was no provision to vote for the motion filed under Standing Orders 18 (1) and (2).

Since the new Parliament started its sitting on April 28 after the general election, Pandikar Amin had only allowed one emergency motion – filed by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) on rice shortage.

About 30 other emergency motions filed thus far have been thrown out.

Among the 30 were Salahuddin's call for a royal commission to be set up to probe allegations made against politicians, the Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General and Lim Kit Siang's (DAP-Ipoh Timur) attempt to discuss Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin's statutory declaration over purported new evidence on the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case.

On today’s emergency motion, Dr Wan Azizah said she and two others from the Opposition would be speaking at 4.30pm, if Pandikar Amin allows the debate.

“We want our voices heard,” she said.

It is also learnt that her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the PKR de facto leader, might be present in the public gallery to witness the Speaker's decision.

Pandikar Amin also said that there would still be visitors today, as they would have made prior arrangements by writing in to the Parliament earlier, despite security at being tightened.

The public gallery can only hold 120 visitors.

If the Speaker allows the emergency motion, it will be debated at 4.30pm for one hour, when the Opposition would be given 30 minutes to speak and the Barisan Nasional 30 minutes to reply.

If the Speaker dismisses the motion, he will announce his decision at the end of Question Time at 11.30am and give his reasons.

The emergency motion would have to fulfil three criteria for it to be allowed – the topic must be specific, of public interest and is urgent.

Abdullah is also expected to be present to wind up the motion on the Mid-Term Review, as today is scheduled to be the last day for ministers to reply, unless a motion for extension is tabled.