Annuar tells DAP not to 'confuse' people on MOU

 

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa today reminded DAP not to make statements that could confuse the people, especially on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and the Pakatan Harapan opposition coalition.

Annuar (above), who is a member of the MOU Negotiation and Implementation Committee, said that so far, 80 percent of the items in the MOU have been or are being implemented.

"There are only a few things such as the proposal to limit the term of office of the prime minister and the tabling of a law against party-hopping in Parliament that have not been implemented, the rest are in the process of implementation and running well.

"Therefore, I advise DAP not to issue statements that could confuse the people as if there is no understanding between the government and the opposition party (Harapan)," he told reporters after handing over flood assistance to 150 residents of Kampung Serongga near Repek, Pasir Mas.

Commenting further, Annuar said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob would never bow to any threats from any political party on matters that could confuse the people.

"For example, yesterday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (now DAP National chairperson) said he wanted to end the MOU between the government and Harapan if the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 on Anti-Party Hopping is not passed in Parliament.

"I wish to explain, this understanding is based on commitment and sincerity but if DAP tries to threaten, I want to emphasise that the government will not bow to any threat," he said.

The member of Parliament for Ketereh, said many things needed to be considered about the Bill related to Anti -Party Hopping such as the constitution, the definition of party hopping and the consent of all political parties.

"In the latest development, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar informed that he has undertaken preliminary talks with several political parties, some even asked for more time to discuss the matter with their members, so for me, there is no question of passing or not," he said.

Automatic cancellation

Yesterday, the media had reported that DAP will seek a definitive answer from the government on the final date for the tabling of the Anti-Party Hopping Bill in Parliament.

Lim said the party would seek confirmation from Ismail Sabri on the matter, otherwise, the MOU between the government and the Harapan coalition (made up of DAP, PKR and Amanah) would be automatically cancelled.

Prior to this, Wan Junaidi was reported as saying that the Anti-Party Hopping bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat only after the views and input of all parties involved were obtained, and all engagement sessions were concluded.

Under the MOU signed last September by Ismail Sabri and party leaders in the Harapan coalition it was agreed that Parliament would not be dissolved before July 21 this year.

- Bernama