Ismail's govt inks 'reform' deal with Harapan

 

Putrajaya has reached a reform deal with Pakatan Harapan which will likely alleviate internal political pressure off Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob for a while.

The deal - dubbed the Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability - was signed between Ismail Sabri and top Harapan figures in Parliament today.

In a statement, Ismail Sabri said his administration will bring "transformations" which will result in the country being better managed which, in turn, will help the country's fight against Covid-19 and economic recovery.

Ismail Sabri said the deal will cover: 

• Strengthening of the Covid-19 plan
• Governance transformation
• Parliamentary reforms
• Ensuring judicial independence
• The Malaysia Agreement 1963
• The formation of a steering committee

These topics appear to be an extension of seven reforms promised by Ismail Sabri on Sept 10. His statement did not detail what was expected of the opposition.

Malaysiakini understands that the deal included a conditional promise by Harapan to not oust Ismail Sabri nor block Budget 2022.

Previously, Harapan has promised to make the details of its deal public. At the time of writing, the document is still under wraps.

Ismail Sabri said the agreement was in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree for more bipartisanship.

"His Majesty decreed that everyone has to practise democracy through consensus in finding solutions to ensure a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Malaysia.

"The 'Malaysian Family' spirit stresses on unity, camaraderie and togetherness. This has manifested itself in the MOU between the government and (Harapan) this evening.

The government was represented by Ismail Sabri and Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa during the signing ceremony.

Pakatan Harapan was represented by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau and Upko deputy president Donald Peter Mojuntin.

Also present were Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun and Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting began today and will conclude on Oct 12. - Mkini