[KUALA LUMPUR] After a fiery debate that lasted over three hours on Monday (Dec 19), Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim secured a vote of confidence at his first parliament session since the general election, an outcome that marked a solid beginning of the country’s first unity government.

Johari Abdul, the newly appointed Speaker of Parliament, announced the passing of the confidence motion via a simple voice vote, with no calls for a bloc vote.

The motion was tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof at the parliament session. He stressed that support from all members of parliament was important for the decision-making of the unity government in the future, especially with the projected economic downturn in 2023.

“This will strengthen the confidence of investors, the business community and the people,” he said.

Last Friday, party leaders in Anwar’s unity government, including those from Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, signed a pact to ensure that his administration could complete a full five-year term.

The terms of the agreement stated that each party had to support the prime minister in motions related to confidence, supply or procedure that could affect the legitimacy of the government.

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The agreement also stated that any lawmaker who failed to do so would be in violation of his or her responsibility towards the party and must vacate the seat.

The confidence motion ignited heated discussions from opposition lawmakers but they refused to call for a bloc vote as they viewed the motion as unnecessary given that Anwar was appointed by the King.

Anwar’s legitimacy as the new prime minister was challenged after the Nov 19 general election, with no single coalition being able to secure a simple majority of 112 parliamentary seats.

His unity government is made up of the Pakatan Harapan coalition that he leads, along with Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.