DPM Fadillah reveals draft MOU to prove transparency after PN’s ‘unconstitutional’, ‘restricted freedom of speech’ allegations

Composite photos of Fadillah (left) and Hamzah in Dewan Rakyat. Photo credit: Parlimen Malaysia

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 16: Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Fadillah Yusof has made public the two sets of draft proposals for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Unity Government and Perikatan Nasional (PN) following ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘restricted freedom of speech’ allegations.

In a statement today, Fadillah, who is the Unity Government chief whip, said the revelation was aimed at proving the federal government’s transparency after the Opposition leader Dato Seri Hamzah Zainudin cited four fundamental reasons for rejecting the draft MOU.

“The Madani Government intends to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony so that all Members of Parliament (MPs) focus more on economic recovery efforts and can play a more constructive role as checks and balances.

“This is important so that we can focus all our energy on restoring the national economy and strengthening unity among the people for the well-being of all and the prosperity of Malaysia.

“With the disclosure of this MoU, the people themselves can determine that all allegations made by the Opposition leader (Hamzah) about the draft MOU are completely baseless,” he said.

The first set of draft proposals for the MOU was meant to be signed between the Malaysian Government and PN, and the second set was meant between the Malaysian Government and all PN Members of Parliament (MPs).

The MOU states that it will be in effect until the dissolution of the 15th Malaysian Parliament or Dec 19, 2027 (whichever comes first), and touches on PN’s obligation as the Opposition that will act as a responsible and constructive check and balance component, while the Federal Government must acknowledge the Opposition’s role to serve as check and balance.

Additionally, the MOU is not subject to any confidentiality clause and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.

The MOU will automatically be cancelled, and the other party will not have any further obligations to perform if either party fails to carry out its obligations as stated.

The two sets of draft proposals can be viewed here: Appendix 1 & Appendix 2.

Yesterday (Sept 15), Hamzah issued a statement declaring that PN has unanimously rejected the draft MOU on constituency allocations for opposition MPs.

He cited four fundamental reasons, claiming that the MOU goes against the Federal Constitution with conditions that touched on the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera; contains conditions that go against traditional, cultural, moral and religious values; does not have a clear mechanism which opens the opportunity for any ex-parte violation, breach of promise or non-compliance; and includes clauses that restrict MPs’ freedom of speech.

Hamzah also reminded the Federal Government that the Pakatan Harapan manifesto in the 15th General Election (GE15) pledged to provide equal constituency development fund (CDF) to all MPs regardless of their political party. — DayakDaily