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A RECENT legal suit challenging the legitimacy of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as both Member of Parliament and Prime Minister is being cited as proof that the opposition bloc, Perikatan Nasional (PN), does not hold the parliamentary majority required to table a motion of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.
According to Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Secretary General Muhammad Faiz Fadzil the opposition’s endorsement of the suit reflects its inability to gain sufficient backing among MPs, resorting instead to litigation.
“The statements made by Rafique Rashid of Parti Pejuang Tanahair (Pejuang) and P Ramasamy of Parti Urimai Malaysia (Urimai), claiming the lawsuit is valid simply because it proceeds through the court system, are nothing more than feeble justifications,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“Do not forget the term ‘abuse of the process of court’. This suit was filed three years after the general election.
“The Madani government, formed through Anwar’s appointment as Prime Minister, has already been in place for three years. Yet, its legitimacy continues to be questioned.”
Faiz pointed out that the law is clear on the matter: the appointment of a Prime Minister is the sole prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
“That is why this legal action constitutes an abuse of judicial process,” he added.
Faiz further criticised the opposition for failing to behave as a responsible and constructive bloc.
“When Pakatan Harapan (PH) was in opposition, we were able to produce a shadow budget and present various policy ideas and economic solutions. Sadly, PN has failed to do the same.
“As the government is presenting the 13th Malaysia Plan, PN is busy exploiting the issue of the Prime Minister’s legitimacy. It is a regressive act and the political equivalent of an empty tin can,” he said.
Notwithstanding Faiz’s remarks, PN has denied any involvement in the legal action brought by Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waytha Moorthy against the Prime Minister, saying the lawsuit was filed in a personal capacity.
Speaking at a press conference in the Dewan Rakyat, PN’s chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said, “As Malaysians, we respect his right to bring this matter to court. Let the courts decide the matter.”
Waytha is seeking a court declaration that Anwar was not lawfully elected as Member of Parliament for Tambun in the 2022 general election, and thus, should not have been appointed prime minister.
However, Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs have questioned both the legal basis and the political timing of the suit.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan had raised the possibility of political coordination, following Waytha’s recent meeting with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and other opposition leaders to discuss forming a united front against the current administration.
While acknowledging Waytha’s right to initiate legal proceedings, Syahredzan dismissed the suit as “frivolous and vexatious,” noting that Anwar has already served as prime minister for nearly three years.
He also pointed out the contradiction in Waytha’s past praise for Anwar, whom he once described as the ideal candidate to lead the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA).
Adding to the criticism, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer earlier today argued that the legal challenge was time-barred. He cited the Election Offences Act 1954, which stipulates that petitions challenging election results must be filed within 21 days of the results being gazetted.
“The legal window has long closed. This suit is not only baseless but out of time,” said Rayer.
Waytha’s legal challenge has sparked renewed debate about the use of the courts for political ends, as well as the current state of opposition unity in Malaysia. - August 17, 2025