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'If opposition rejected MoU draft, what else is there to do?

JOHOR BARU : The unity government has no intention to engage in further discussions with the opposition regarding the draft of a memorandum of understanding for opposition MP allocation.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this was due to the opposition's rejection of the two MoU drafts and reluctance to even discuss it.

He said even though the MoU draft was not agreed upon, the unity government does not sideline any quarter from receiving such allocation or development projects.

He said this was based on the Madani government's concept which prioritises inclusivity, compassion) and justness for all, especially the people.

"Government allocations continue, and it is the duty of the elected representative to propose any project or assistance which should be given.

"Not one place is exempted from this. Everybody benefits from this, whether there is an MoU or not. The government will not sideline any quarter, whether they are government or opposition.

"This is because the concept of the Madani government is about inclusivity, ihsan (compassion), and justness. That is the concept of Madani, Whether there is an MoU or not, the programmes and projects will continue and the people will benefit from them," Fadillah said after launching the 2024 National-level River Day Celebration in Sungai Tebrau here today.

Also present were Deputy Energy Transition and Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and state Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.

Fadillah said the government respects the decision by the opposition about the MoU draft.

"That's their stand. Whatever it is, there is no need to comment any more. I am not saying there is no understanding (between us), but we gave the (MoU draft), so if they reject it, what else is there to do? What is there left to study? They have rejected it. Kalau kita dah pinang, tiba-tiba kena tolak, takkan nak pinang lagi, malu saya (If I'd asked for someone's hand in marriage, and suddenly I am rejected, I couldn't possibly ask for her hand again, I'd be embarassed)."

The opposition has been adamant in rejecting the two drafts for an MoU between the unity government and Perikatan Nasional for opposition MP allocations.

PN had cited terms in the drafts that allegedly invite potential misinterpretation; terms that are contrary to the principles in the Federal Constitution; conflicts with culture, moral, and religious values; and aspects that are is prone to abuse to power as well as restricting the MPs' freedom of speech.

This prompted Fadillah to furnish proof to counter claims made by the opposition about the drafts of the MoU on Sept 16 , while lambasting opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin's claim that the proposed MoU would" "jeopardise the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras" under the Federal Constitution.

PN has since urged the federal government to prepare a new draft for the MoU and to set up a special committee to discuss the MoU.

Yesterday, Fahmi Fadzil had chided Perikatan Nasional for "playing victim" on the issue of the MoU on allocations for Opposition MPs, but stressed upon the fact that the government has never closed its doors for discussion.

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