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Ruling coalition treads carefully to avoid rift
Malaysia's ruling coalition held back on Thursday from punishing a small party that has called for a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:08 June 20, 2008
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's ruling coalition held back on Thursday from punishing a small party that has called for a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, as it tried to defuse a political crisis that could eventually unseat the besieged leader.
The Barisan Nasional coalition had been expected to either sack, suspend or issue a stern warning against the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) to send a strong message to other coalition members.
"We will consider an action after getting an explanation from them," Barisan secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor told reporters after the coalition held an emergency meeting to discuss the planned no confidence vote.
Asked why Barisan did not take action against SAPP, Abdullah said: "It's not a question of being scared. We want to make the right decision. We don't want to be in a hurry."
He said Barisan had not issued a show cause letter to SAPP.
The east Malaysia party has only two members of parliament but there are worries its move could embolden others in the 14-party coalition to also break ranks and deal another blow to an increasingly weakened Badawi administration. Badawi is battling for his political survival as he tries to fend off a challenge to his leadership.
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