Terms in draft MoU aim to strengthen political stability, says Fadillah

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) on allocation for the opposition was drafted with the aim of fostering harmony and political stability, thereby limiting any calls to overthrow the current government, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

(NST) – In response to critics who described the terms in the draft as ‘unusual,’ Fadillah said that one of the objectives of the MoU was to present an image of a stable government to the world, which could, in turn, attract more investments and strengthen the country’s economy.

“For example, they (Perikatan Nasional) felt that it is usual (on the term in the MoU for them) to support this government. What we want to convey (through the MoU) is that we want to avoid further talk of toppling the government.

“The primary need for the country right now is (political) stability. So let’s not talk about overthrowing the government.

“The existing government has already secured two-thirds support, as evidenced in Parliament,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Law Students Legal Aid Convention yesterday.

“We need to send a message to the world that Malaysia’s government is stable. Investors will come, which is good for the economy and the people,” he added.

PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan on Monday questioned the government on the seven obligations in the draft of the MoU which included the opposition members of Parliament to support the government until the end of the 15th parliamentary term.

The Pas secretary-general described the obligations, which also included for the opposition MPs to make asset declarations, as “odd”.

On a related matter, Fadillah, who is tasked with negotiating with the opposition on its demands for the constituency funds, said the amount of the allocation would only be announced after both the government and PN have agreed to all the terms in the MoU.

Fadillah, who is also the Unity Government Secretariat secretary-general, also said any discussion on the MoU should be conducted through negotiation channels, instead of taking the matter to the media.

He added that no details of other terms within the MoU would be disclosed and that no time limit has been set for the negotiation process.

“When negotiating, the first step is to present a draft, and there’s no need to go to the media. Provide feedback on the draft… we’ll discuss it until it is finalised, before presenting it to the media.

“If PN wants to negotiate openly, we can hold a debate, (though it might then) become a debate,” he said.