PETALING JAYA: The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on allocations for the Opposition aims to foster a cooperative environment where all MPs can focus on economic recovery and fulfil their roles as a check and balance, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The draft MOU also includes a clause calling on all MPs to acknowledge that the Federal Constitution and Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy are based on the principles of dignity and equality for all individuals.

“They have basic rights and freedoms regardless of race, skin colour, ethnicity or religion.

“All Malaysians have a role in promoting and upholding respect for human rights and freedoms, irrespective of race, religion, language or culture,” the MOU stated. Yesterday, Fadillah released two drafts of the MOU in response to Opposition chief Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who said Perikatan unanimously rejected the draft MOU for four reasons.

“Since the Opposition has chosen to make public statements on the MOU, I am releasing two drafts to the media to demonstrate the transparency of the Madani government,” said Fadillah in a statement.He said the drafts included a clause stating that the MOU would remain in effect until either the dissolution of the 15th Parliament or Dec 19, 2027.

He said both drafts had spelt out the Federal Government’s obligations whereby it recognises that Opposition MPs play an important role as the Opposition by displaying loyalty towards the country, the Federal Constitution and the Royal Institution as well as acting as a responsible and legitimate check and balance.

Fadillah also said the MOU was not bound by any confidentiality clauses, adding that it would be cancelled if either party decided to exit.

Among the contents of the 10-page draft MOU is that as the Opposition, Perikatan MPs must ensure that they provide credible responses or alternative policies in Parliament.

“The Opposition cannot simply oppose or disrupt the administrative process of the Federal Government or the Dewan Rakyat.

“Perikatan and its MPs must hold themselves back from sowing hatred, discrimination or violence as a form of political expression. Instead, they must act with a tolerant spirit and cooperate together for the interest of the nation,” read the MOU.

The MOU also said the Federal Government is obligated to acknowledge the Opposition’s crucial role in Parliament.

In return, the government is obligated to protect the rights and privileges of Opposition MPs by ensuring adequate speech time in Parliament, access to the Parliamentary Select Committee, and rights to amend and table Bills and motions.

Putrajaya is also responsible to give Opposition MPs access to administrative and financial resources such as office space, parliament assistants and allowances.

There was also a clause stating that Opposition MPs would be given access to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

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

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

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

Hamzah also said the proposal seemingly curtails democratic freedoms, adding that it could limit MPs’ freedom of speech despite their protected right to represent the people under Act 347, the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act 1952.

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

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/17/dpm-releases-two-drafts-of-mou