Claim MoU violated constitution untrue, insincere, says Umno leader
Hamzah neither detailed which parts of the memorandum of understanding were problematic nor explained how it would harm the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras.
(FMT) – An Umno Youth leader said Perikatan Nasional’s claim that a proposed agreement on constituency allocations for opposition MPs contravenes the Federal Constitution was untrue and insincere.
Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the allegations made by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin and secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin were devoid of proof.
He said Hamzah neither detailed which parts of the memorandum of understanding were problematic nor explained how it would harm the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras.
Wan Agyl said the draft MoU, which PN rejected, clearly upheld the Federal Constitution and the framework of a parliamentary democracy.
A central focus of the MoU was on promoting dignity and equality for everyone, regardless of race, religion, language or culture, he said.
“This message aligns with the core values of the Constitution rather than clashing with it.
“Importantly, the draft MoU does not include any provision that would diminish or affect the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras,” the Umno Youth permanent chairman told FMT.
Wan Agyl also said claims that the MoU impinged on Malay and Bumiputera rights seemed more like a political tactic than a genuine concern.
Wan Agyl Wan Hassan
He said PN, in making such claims, was likely looking to position itself as the defender of the Malays and Bumiputeras to appeal to its core supporters in Malay-majority areas.
Pushing such narratives would create doubts about the government’s commitment to protecting these rights, even though the MoU’s actual content does not threaten them, he said.
“It feels like a move to divert attention from other parts of the agreement they might not like. Race and religion are sensitive topics, and I wonder if such a tactic is being used to stir controversy,” he said.
He said while the opposition’s approach might resonate with some, it oversimplifies complex issues and may harm national unity.
On Sunday, Hamzah, the opposition leader, announced that PN had unanimously rejected the draft MoU, claiming it went against the Federal Constitution by including conditions that touched on the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras.
He also said the draft MoU included conditions that could be considered as “going against traditional, cultural and moral values”, and encroaching into the issue of religion.
On Tuesday, Muhyiddin singled out a clause that purportedly prohibits discussing issues related to race, religion and royalty (3Rs), adding it was aimed at restricting MPs’ freedom to voice their constituents’ concerns, especially on such issues.
The PN chairman also claimed the MoU contained elements that went against Asian values, and inferred it was pro-LGBT.
Subang Umno chief Arman Azha Abu Hanifah urged the opposition, especially Hamzah, to stop such polemics and prioritise the welfare of the people.
Arman said it was time Hamzah “moved forward”.
“He should suggest alternative (provisions to improve the MoU) instead of politicising the matter to confuse the people and create uneasiness,” he said.
