Focus on Budget now, no-confidence motion later - Anwar

Contrary to expectations, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today indicated that he is not going to move for a motion of no-confidence against the prime minister.

“For now, our focus is on the Budget,” he told reporters in a press conference during a lunchtime break at Parliament.

He also asked for an adjournment to debate the Budget as the minister in charge of the finance portfolio and other relevant government officials were absent during the session and therefore were unable to provide much-needed answers.

He also said that there was no point in debating an outdated Budget as it was presented over a month ago and called on the new finance minister to revise the facts and data.

The Permatang Pauh MP lashed out at Datuk Seri Najib Razak, calling him irresponsible and arrogant for failing to show up for the debate.

He added, rather snidely, that the latter’s failure was because he was too busy approving mega projects and getting involved in economic scandals such as the latest controversy over the purchase of the Euro-copter.

“In the present economic crisis, we have to handle this well. We have to work together to save the country,” Anwar said.

He hoped that Najib will show up for the continuation of the debate after lunch.

“Otherwise... he is sending a message that he is not serious and responsible," he added, referring to Najib.