Madani govt respects PN’s rejection of MoUs, urges official communication for new proposals

Fadillah fielding questions from the media after officiating at the Social Security Management International Conference organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) at a hotel in Kuching on Sept 19, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Sept 19: The Madani government respects Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) decision to reject the draft memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on constituency allocations for opposition Members of Parliaments (MPs).

Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof also stated that the PN leaders have yet to formally communicate with the government on the matter.

“Statement indicated that they (PN) have rejected (the MoUs), so we respect their decision,” he told reporters after officiating at the Social Security Management International Conference organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) at a hotel here today.

Addressing recent news reports that PN will only resume constituency allocation discussions once new MoU drafts are prepared, Fadillah stressed that these MoU drafts form the foundation for dialogue between the two parties.

“(If they insist on new drafts) They need to submit (their proposal) through an official communication.

“But (since) they have publicly rejected the current drafts, we accept and respect their stance,” he added.

Fadillah (seated centre) in a photo with participants at the Social Security Management International Conference organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) at a hotel in Kuching on Sept 19, 2024.

According to Free Malaysia Today, citing Berita Harian, PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan also demanded a special committee be set up to discuss the MoUs.

He also stated that PN saw no need to send an official letter to the Deputy Prime Minister regarding their rejection, as the government had forwarded the MoU drafts without considering PN’s input.

Previously, opposition leader Dato Seri Hamzah Zainudin outlined four key reasons for rejecting the MoU drafts. He claimed the proposals contradicted the Federal Constitution, cultural, moral, and religious values, and raised concerns about potential misuse of power and restrictions on freedom.

Regarding the conference, Fadillah highlighted the importance of enhancing Malaysia’s social security systems through innovation and investment in technology like artificial intelligence (AI).

He noted AI’s potential to improve operational efficiency, from more accurate benefit distribution to better fraud detection and administrative processes.

“It is vital that policymakers adapt social security funding and structures to accommodate shifts in the workforce and economic landscape, driven by AI advancements,” he said.

Fadillah also called on all sectors to collaborate in building a social security system that not only addresses today’s needs but also anticipates future challenges and opportunities.

UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan was among the attendees. — DayakDaily