Muhyiddin should have proposed alternative MoU, says PKR MP

“Perhaps he has forgotten that some politicians have mocked the decisions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and dragged the royal institution into election campaigns”

(FMT) – Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari says the PN chairman should have been open to discussion.

Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin should have proposed an alternative memorandum of understanding on allocations for opposition MPs instead of criticising the version proposed by the government, says PKR’s Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari.

Earlier today, Muhyiddin claimed the MoU, which the coalition had rejected, was aimed at restricting PN MPs’ ability to voice their constituents’ concerns, especially on issues related to race, religion and royalty (3Rs).

The former prime minister also claimed that the government seemed to be intent on using the MoU to prevent PN MPs from advocating for matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“His comments are very shallow. He should have proposed an alternative MoU and been open to discussions,” Taufiq told FMT.

“We need quality MPs who can debate government policies, present sound ideas, and provide constructive criticism in order to bring progress to our beloved Malaysia.”

Taufiq said the government had never restricted MPs from having their voices heard in the Dewan Rakyat. However, he said such debates must be of quality and based on facts, adding that they should also not divide the country’s multiracial society.

He said while Muhyiddin was free to talk about 3R issues, such comments should not incite others.

“Perhaps he has forgotten that some politicians have mocked the decisions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and dragged the royal institution into election campaigns,” he said.

“This is unhealthy.”

Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said it was incorrect for Muhyiddin to state that the MoU would restrict the opposition from highlighting issues related to race or religion.

“It’s not to say that these issues cannot be raised at all… It is more important to raise such issues, find mature ways to discuss them, and propose good solutions,” said the PKR MP.

Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan also rubbished Muhyiddin’s claim that the MoU prevented discussions on 3R issues, stating that the document was only meant to prohibit opposition MPs from politicising such matters.

“There is no problem discussing such issues… like pledging allegiance to the king, for example. But it’s not alright to play up 3R issues to incite hate, which can affect the country’s stability and create disunity,” said the Amanah MP.

The first draft MoU, which would have been signed between the government and individual MPs, outlines the role of opposition MPs in providing checks and balances, offering credible policy alternatives and promoting national unity.

The second draft MoU includes similar elements but would have been signed between the unity government and PN as a bloc, binding all its MPs.

In both MoUs, PN and their MPs have to commit to refraining from making any statements, speeches or actions that are hateful, or using any form of language that belittles or discriminates against any party or group, based on religion, race, ethnicity, skin colour, origin, gender, nationality, or any other identity factor.

They should also agree to refrain from any communication that has a tendency to provoke discrimination, hatred, or violence against any party, or engage in any insults, disobedience, or tendency to insult and defy the royal institution and the Malay rulers.