As Pakatan Harapan and Ismail Sabri Yaakob-led federal administration are inching closer towards sealing a confidence and supply agreement (CSA), some leaders within the opposition bloc are wary of the deal.
A source within Harapan told Malaysiakini that there is a concern on how the deal would play out, including the fear that Harapan would be mistakenly seen as legitimising all government actions.
"There is a fear among Harapan... people (had been) asking as though we are complicit or legitimising the government and whatever they are doing.
"As though we have been bought, which is entirely not the case," said the source who holds a prominent position and is privy to Harapan briefing on the ongoing negotiation. However, he requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The source said Harapan entered the negotiation with Ismail Sabri as an act of good faith to create political stability in the country, and at the same time get institutional reforms going.
However, they do not want to be seen as if Harapan is giving unlimited support to the Umno-led administration.
The source pointed to the Aug 25 meeting between Harapan top leaders and Ismail Sabri, after which the prime minister announced his cabinet list.
"The perception that came after that was as though we agreed to it (the cabinet composition). That's why we have been saying that it (the memorandum of understanding) is not unlimited support," he said.
"Let's say, if we were to agree to sign (the agreement) today, then suddenly he announces Najib (Razak) as his economic adviser... So, this is some of the fears," the source added, referring to rumours that the former premier who has been convicted with seven criminal charges may make a comeback with an advisory role in the new government.
CSA signed by today?
According to the source, representatives of the governing coalition had indicated an intention to see the CSA signed by today.
However, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said there has only been an "agreement in principle".
He said Harapan and government representatives are meeting today again to hash out further details.
"Just to be clear, we have only agreed in principle pending details.
"We have not signed the memorandum of understanding as discussions are ongoing.
"God-willing, both sides will meet again this evening to continue discussions. We remain his majesty’s loyal opposition," he said.
Harapan top leaders – PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu – and Ismail Sabri had engaged in a negotiation process since last month, initiated just days after the latter was sworn-in as the country's ninth prime minister, a job he secured with a slim majority in the Parliament.
In their first joint statement following the Aug 25 meeting, both parties said that they have agreed to strengthen the parliamentary institution.
The leaders also acknowledged the importance of an independent judiciary and good governance but did not provide further details on what changes will be forthcoming.
On Friday, Ismail Sabri in a statement announced that the cabinet had agreed to a list of seven institutional reforms.
In response to this, Harapan last night said that they were inclined to accept the memorandum of understanding offered by the prime minister, but subject to "improvements to the draft which needs to be refined by both sides before it is finalised." - Mkini
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