Dr Mahathir calls the MoU ‘bribery’

(Malaysia Now) – Pejuang chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad says his bloc will not join Pakatan Harapan (PH) in signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government as there are elements of “bribery” in the agreement.

The Langkawi MP said opposition parties should be free to criticise the government in the democratic system.

“We find it inappropriate to participate in this because we will get certain things in return, as this appears to have elements of bribery in it – we support you if you give us such and such,” he said at a press conference in Langkawi today.

“It would be a different story if we had a unity government. A unity government is not an agreement but everyone has the same power.”

The MoU was signed by MPs from PN and PH in a move described by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as “consultative democracy”.

The agreement was signed by Ismail and top PH leaders Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu, Lim Guan Eng and Upko’s Wilfred Madius Tangau.

However, Pejuang and Sabah-based Warian rejected the agreement, saying they had not been consulted ahead of time.

Mahathir’s remarks followed those of DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang who yesterday urged Pejuang, Warisan and Muda to join PH in signing the MoU.

Kit Siang also stressed the need for a “political ceasefire” to reset the focus on winning the battle against Covid-19.

Mahathir said today that if the government wishes to provide facilities of any sort, these should be given to all MPs in the opposition.

“Don’t only choose those who have promised their support,” he said. “This is why Pejuang decided that we will not involve ourselves in this.

“We will remain independent and we will be the opposition, and there will be no quid pro quo agreement with the government of we give, they give,” he added.

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2021/09/18/dr-m-says-pejuang-wont-sign-bribery-deal-with-govt/