Fadillah releases MOU contents following Perikatan criticisms

September 17, 2024

Fadillah releases MOU contents following Perikatan criticisms

KUALA LUMPUR: After Perikatan Nasional unanimously rejected the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on allocations for its MPs, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has released the contents of the draft document.

“Since the Opposition prefers to make statements on the MOU through the media, I put forth two drafts of the MOUs to the media to prove the transparency of the Madani government.

“We intend to foster a harmonious and peaceful environment so that all MPs can focus on economic recovery efforts and play a more constructive role as checks and balances,” he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 16).

Fadillah, who was appointed to negotiate the MOU, was responding to Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s statement that Perikatan declined to sign the MOU for four reasons.

According to Fadillah, among the contents of the documents is a clause that states the MOU is in effect until the dissolution of the 15th Parliament on or before Dec 19, 2027.

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Fadillah said the drafts touched on Perikatan’s obligation to play its role as a constructive and responsible component of the system of checks and balances.

“It also touched on the adherence to the Federal Constitution and the system of parliamentary democracy,” he added.

Fadillah also said the draft MOUs spelled out the government’s obligations, recognising that Opposition MPs play an important role by displaying loyalty towards the country, the Federal Constitution and the Royal Institution, and also providing responsible and legitimate checks and balances.

Fadillah said the MOU was not bound by confidentiality clauses and would be cancelled if either party decided to exit the arrangement.

On Sunday (Sept 15), Hamzah said the draft MOU appears to conflict with the Federal Constitution, particularly in its potential impact on the Malay and bumiputra special rights enshrined within.

Hamzah also said the MOU contradicts cultural, moral, and religious principles, featuring conditions viewed as clashing with traditional, cultural and moral values, and local norms.

He added that the proposals could be misinterpreted or lead to an abuse of power owing to their lack of clear mechanisms, possibly paving the way for violations or non-compliance unilaterally.

He then said the proposal seemingly curtailed democratic freedoms, adding that it could limit MPs’ freedom of speech, despite their protected right to represent the people under the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act 1952.

He also reminded the government of Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto pledge to distribute the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) equally among all MPs, irrespective of party lines, and noted the public’s scrutiny of the fulfilment of these promises.