KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional should not be compelled to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the unity government, as it is unfair to force the Opposition to agree to all demands by the government, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

The Opposition chief expressed concerns that the contents of the MOU implied Perikatan must agree to every term set by the government for its MPs to receive allocations for their constituents.

"This is very unfair. For instance, we supported the constitutional amendment on citizenship laws because it is beneficial. So, don’t pressure us to comply with everything the government wants.

"Shouldn’t the Opposition serve as checks and balances?" questioned Hamzah in his speech on the Supply Bill 2025 in Parliament on Monday (Oct 21).

Hamzah asserted that if the government plans to give allocations to Opposition MPs, it should do so without conditions.

"We want a fair government. This is in the people’s interest," Hamzah added.

He also criticised Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, claiming the Prime Minister used a harsh tone when negotiating MOU terms for constituency allocations with Opposition leaders.

"If I see someone being soft and gentle, I will be even gentler. This is what we should have done together," Hamzah added.

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

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof released two drafts of the MOU.

The 10-page draft MOU stated that Perikatan MPs, as the Opposition, must provide credible responses or alternative policies in Parliament.

The MOU also stipulated that the Federal Government must acknowledge the Opposition’s 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, table bills, and motions.

Putrajaya is also required to provide administrative and financial resources, such as office space, parliamentary assistants, and allowances to Opposition MPs.

According to the draft MOU, there was also a clause stating that Opposition MPs would receive the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/21/be-fair-dont-force-us-to-sign-mou-opposition-tells-govt