Why should PN propose alternative MoU, asks Kiandee

 

Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee claimed the draft MoUs prepared by the government showed that Putrajaya had no real intention of providing allocations to opposition MPs.

PETALING JAYA: 

Perikatan Nasional (PN) should not have to propose an alternative memorandum of understanding on allocations for opposition MPs as Pakatan Harapan (PH) had promised to provide equal allocations to opposition MPs in its election manifesto, said Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee.

Yesterday, Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari said PN should propose an alternative MoU instead of criticising the version proposed by the government.

Earlier, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had said the coalition rejected the MoU drafts because, among other reasons, it was aimed at restricting PN MPs’ ability to discuss issues related to race, religion and royalty.

Speaking to FMT, Beluran MP Kiandee said the draft MoU prepared by the government showed that Putrajaya had no real intention of providing allocations to opposition MPs. 

This extraordinary draft proposal restrains us from voicing our opinions,

 he said.

This is despite all debates in Parliament being subject to the Dewan Rakyat’s Standing Orders, and the Sedition Act still being in effect. So why is there a need to have these extraordinary conditions?

Earlier today, PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said the opposition would not move forward with constituency allocation discussions as long as they were based on the current draft MoUs.

Berita Harian reported him as demanding the government prepare new drafts and set up a special committee to discuss the matter.

Everything contained in these draft MoUs is unacceptable,

 Takiyuddin had said at a press conference at the Kota Bharu PAS office today.

A committee to look into what is needed in the MoUs should be set up before both parties discuss the documents.

On Sunday, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof released to the public the two draft MoUs, saying it was for Malaysians to judge the claims made by opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.

The first draft MoU, which would have been signed between the government and individual MPs, outlines the role of opposition MPs in providing checks and balances, offering credible policy alternatives and promoting national unity.

The second draft MoU includes similar elements but would have been signed between the unity government and PN as a bloc, binding all its MPs. - FMT