Fadillah: MoU with opposition vital
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the unity government and the opposition is vital in driving the nation’s development and safeguarding the people’s wellbeing.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said while the document was “not necessary”, it would affirm the cooperation between the parties for the benefit of the people.
“We’re currently drafting the MoU so that we will have a joint agenda in developing the country, restoring the economy and most importantly, safeguarding the wellbeing of the people in terms of stability, peace. They are of utmost importance,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here.
He said the draft for the MoU would be deliberated by the opposition before it could be finalised and revealed.
Fadillah said he was unable to go into details about its contents as it would be exposed to speculation.
He also did not specify a timeline for the draft agreement to be completed.
When asked whether he was concerned the issue would be played up by the opposition in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, Fadillah said such a situation was a norm in politics.
“More importantly, we’re sincere in considering this (MoU) and have in principle agreed to it.”
Fadillah said he preferred to reserve his comments when asked about Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s criticism of the MoU.
Muhyiddin was reported as saying that during his tenure as the prime minister, he had provided funds to opposition members of parliament (PMs) without the need for an MoU.
He had said that the party would assess first if there were any unacceptable conditions, so as not to bind opposition MPs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday had said supporting him was not a precondition for MPs to receive allocations from the government.