Fahmi hits back at opposition for ‘playing victim’ in MoU issue

“The doors to negotiation are not closed, but it is the opposition that is closing them. If you wish to negotiate and discuss, let’s do so”

(NST) – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has hit back at Perikatan Nasional for “playing victim” on the issue of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on allocations for Opposition MPs.

Fahmi, who is the unity government spokesman, said the MoU sent was only a draft and the government has never closed its doors for discussions.

He said the opposition was the one who has been closing their doors to the government for any form of cooperation.

“The opposition keeps on saying that they want to make sure the people in their area are taken care of.

“We have announced (on the allocation) since March 2023 and if we have been discussing it every week, it would have been settled.

“The longer you delay the weaker your argument is. If that is really what you wanted (to take care of the people), then it would have been settled a long time ago,” he said in his speech at the Communications Ministry monthly assembly.

Fahmi added that he regrets the actions of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, whom the government has invited to many events, including the National Day celebration, but has received no response.

“We even sent cloth to take measurements for clothes, but that too met with no response.

“We are doing our best to reach out in the spirit of democracy and for the rakyat. But the hands we extend in the spirit of friendship and understanding are not met, and it even seems like playing the victim,” he said.

Explaining the details of the MoU, Fahmi said the government only intends for the opposition to be constructive in Parliament, without playing up 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues.

He also defended the requirement for opposition members of Parliament to declare their assets, saying, “it’s the most simple and basic thing.”

Comparing the current situation to when PH served as the opposition, he said that due to their commitment and understanding with the government, many reforms took place, and allocations were provided.

He said the MoU draft is not final.

“The doors to negotiation are not closed, but it is the opposition that is closing them. If you wish to negotiate and discuss, let’s do so,” he said.

On Sept 18, PN urged the federal government to prepare a new draft for the MoU.

PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said they also demanded the government to set up a special committee to discuss the MoU.

He added the opposition would not move forward with any discussion for constituency-based allocations as long as they are based on the current MoU draft.

Takiyuddin, who is Pas secretary-general said everything contained in these draft MoU was one-sided and unacceptable.

Last week, Hamzah had claimed the proposed drafts went against the Federal Constitution, with conditions that touched on the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras.