Following Opposition’s rejection of allocations MoU, Fadillah says no new drafts necessary from Unity Govt

KUCHING (Sept 19): The Unity Government does not need to come up with a new draft for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on allocations for Opposition MPs, said Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the existing drafts should suffice as the basis for negotiations between both parties.

“What is to ask for a new draft when the existing draft is the basis for us to discuss?

“They have to give us their feedback but since they have already come up with a statement to reject, we accept their decision,” he told reporters after officiating at the Social Security Management International Conference (SSMIC) here today.

He was commenting on Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement yesterday calling for the federal government to prepare a new draft MoU.

The Kota Bharu MP and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) secretary-general had also demanded the government set up a special committee to discuss the MoU, according to a Berita Harian report.

Takiyuddin said the draft MoU should have been created through discussions between PN and the government, and not by one party alone.

On Sept 16, Fadillah released two drafts of the MoU to demonstrate the transparency of the Madani government in negotiations regarding allocations for Opposition MPs.

He said the primary purpose of the MoU was to create a harmonious atmosphere in the Dewan Rakyat, enabling all MPs to focus on economic recovery efforts and play a more effective checks and balances role.

“This is crucial so that we can channel all our efforts towards restoring the national economy and strengthening unity among the people, for the well-being of all and the prosperity of Malaysia,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also the Unity Government chief whip, said the key essence of the MoU included that it will be in effect until the dissolution of the 15th Parliament or on Dec 19, 2027, the Opposition’s role as a responsible checks and balances component, and transparency with no confidentiality clause.

“With the disclosure of this MoU, the public can see for themselves that the Opposition leader’s claims regarding the drafts are completely baseless,” he said.