Other opposition parties should consider signing MOU with govt - analysts

 

The Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability signed between the government and Pakatan Harapan should be considered as an option for other parties on the opposition bench, analysts said today.

This is to create a more dynamic political ecosystem in line with the country's current battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior lecturer Mazlan Ali said signing the MOU was an important move to create stability when the country is faced with a pandemic and economic uncertainty.

At the same time, he said the agreement does not mean the opposition is bowing to the demands of the government as it continues to play a check and balance function in Parliament.

"This agreement is for the people and country, and all parties must sacrifice by setting aside their interests.

"I see a need for other opposition parties like Pejuang, Warisan and Muda to join this MOU, in order to reach a consensus that would allow reforms to the parliamentary institution," Mazlan told Malaysiakini today.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior lecturer Mazlan Ali

Mazlan's views echoed a call by Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid who reportedly urged opposition parties that are yet to sign the MOU to do so.

Mahdzir said this was as the parties could then be together with the government in handling the health and economic crisis, while still playing its role as the opposition.

Meanwhile, Mazlan said the MOU also revealed the maturity and graciousness among opposition leaders willing to temporarily set aside any political differences.

"This is important to ensure the government could focus efforts on national recovery without any political interference that could hinder the progress.

"Politicking will not solve the problem, this one year period requires leaders who are mature and gracious," he said.

Equal allocations

Meanwhile, political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the matter will depend on each party's individual mechanism, stand and opinions.

The Universiti Malaya lecturer added that parties not in the agreement should consider the risks which could affect their ground support.

Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi

"For example, the MOU does not only allow for the implementation of institutional reforms, but it also provides opposition MPs with equal allocations to the government MPs.

"This means the opportunity to ensure equal allocations for voters in an opposition area is a big benefit for the constituents," he said.

Azman said the matter should be considered unless the party that rejected the agreement has better mechanisms to raise other funds for constituents in their areas.

Harapan and the government had struck the historic agreement on Sept 13, despite reservations from others on the opposition bench.

The deal involved Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob promising a long list of parliamentary and administrative reforms. 

The premier also promised to consult Harapan on Budget 2022 and to table a law to discourage elected lawmakers from defecting.

In exchange, Harapan pledged, with conditions, not to topple Ismail Sabri through Parliament and support his Budget 2022 bill. - Mkini