PUTRAJAYA: The issues surrounding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning the allocation for Opposition MPs could have been resolved earlier had the matter not been unnecessarily prolonged, said Fahmi Fadzil.
According to the Communications Minister, the Federal Government has consistently reached out to the Opposition since March 2023.
However, he said the Opposition bloc has delayed progress by refusing to attend regular discussions with the government.
“When we (Pakatan Harapan) were in the opposition, we met with the then-government every week to resolve issues related to our MOU (with the former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s government).
“I am disappointed with the actions of the Opposition. We have extended numerous invitations, yet none have been reciprocated. We consistently offer to engage, but they seem to portray themselves as victims.
“Had we conducted weekly discussions from the start (in March), this issue (the MOU) would have been resolved by now,” he said during his speech at the ministry’s monthly assembly on Friday (Sept 20).
Fahmi urged Perikatan Nasional leaders to cease delaying the process, adding that the government remains open to further discussions on the MOU.
The Lembah Pantai MP emphasised the importance of continued negotiation between both parties, noting that “a draft is not the final document.”
“Opposition leaders claim they need the allocation to assist their constituents, but the longer they delay, the weaker their argument becomes.
“If helping constituents is truly the opposition’s priority, they would have made efforts to resolve matters immediately.
“I hope this issue is now clear to everyone. We have not closed the door to negotiations; it is the opposition that has done so. We are still ready to engage,” Fahmi added.
On Sept 15, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that Perikatan had unanimously rejected the draft MOU due to concerns that it conflicted with the Federal Constitution, particularly regarding its potential impact on Malay and bumiputra special rights.
He further claimed the MOU contradicted cultural, moral, and religious principles, could lead to an abuse of power, and appeared to limit democratic freedoms.
On Wednesday (Sept 18), Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to prepare a new MOU draft and establish a special committee to discuss it.
He stressed that the opposition would not proceed with any discussions on constituency-based allocations if they were based on the current draft.
This followed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s release of two MOU drafts on Monday (Sept 16) in response to the Opposition’s rejection.
Fadillah explained that both drafts outlined the government’s obligations to acknowledge the important role of opposition MPs by ensuring their loyalty to the country, the Federal Constitution and the royal institution, while acting as a responsible and legitimate check-and-balance.
The MOU also requires Perikatan MPs to provide credible responses or alternative policies in Parliament and refrain from using political expression to incite hatred, discrimination, or violence.
In return, the government is committed to protecting the rights and privileges of opposition MPs in Parliament and granting them access to constituency development funds.
