Rafizi assures MPs still have freedom after govt agreement signed

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has assured that the agreement signed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and leaders of parties in government will not restrict an MP’s right to vote on all other matters aside from any confidence motion.

Taking to social media, Rafizi said this in addressing claims that the agreement signed on Friday was “dictatorial” in nature and infringes on an individual MP’s freedom to vote in Parliament.

“All 148 MPs supporting the government are actually free to vote based on their individual expertise, except for matters related to the legitimacy of the government as set out under the Federal Constitution and the anti-hopping law.

“There are two votes relating to the legitimacy of government, a vote of no confidence and voting on the annual budget,” said Rafizi (above).

“Aside from these two votes, MPs are free to vote based on their own views and that is not bound by Article 4 of the agreement,” he said.

Previously, PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim voiced his concerns about the apparent ultimatum set to support Anwar as prime minister and the potential “weaponisation” of the agreement.

Police report

Earlier today, Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth lodged a police report claiming criminal elements in the agreement.

PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari in a statement claimed there were elements of the agreement that suppress an MP’s constitutional right to vote and silences their voice.

“This is a wrongful act to damage and tarnish parliamentary democracy.

“I urge the police to investigate the matter so the sanctity of the Federal Constitution and sovereignty of law can be protected, and peace in the nation is maintained,” said the Pasir Mas MP.

Claiming the agreement to be an “evil pact” among parties, Fadhli said those involved also falsely adopted the term “Malaysia unity government” for stability and social unity.

Signing of the agreement on Friday.

He claimed the terms of the agreement contravened various constitutional rights, including Section 49(A) over its impact on parliamentary seats due to party hopping.

He went on to list how the agreement relates to various alleged crimes under the Penal Code, including activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

“The cumulative impact of terms under the agreement, in short, requires all MPs from Harapan, BN, GPS, GRS, and Warisan to only vote in one way as requested by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to ensure he receives enough support to continue as PM,” said Fadhli.

Aside from Anwar who is the Pakatan Harapan chairperson, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairperson Hajiji Noor, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairperson Abang Johari Openg, and Warisan president Shafie Apdal were present at the signing ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Friday. - Mkini