Fadillah releases MoU drafts after Hamzah claims red flags in allocation deal
Published on: Monday, September 16, 2024
By: FMT
Screenshots of the draft memorandums of understanding that were released by deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof today.
PETALING JAYA: Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof today released the two draft memorandums of understanding on constituency funds following various concerns raised by the opposition in rejecting them.
In a statement, Fadillah said he disclosed the draft documents so that the public could judge the claims made by opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.
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Hamzah had claimed the MoUs went against the Federal Constitution with conditions that touched on the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras.
He also claimed the MoUs conflicted with cultural and religious values, lacked clear mechanisms, and potentially restricted MPs’ freedom of speech.
"The unity government’s intention (with the MoUs) is to foster a peaceful and harmonious environment, allowing all MPs to focus on economic recovery and play a constructive role in providing checks and balances," Fadillah said in a statement issued together with copies of the draft documents.
The first draft MoU, which would be 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.
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In exchange for equal privileges in the lower house, parliamentary resources, and constituency funds, MPs are required to declare their assets within 14 days of signing the MoU and adhere to the "Seven Principles of Public Life".
They must also avoid inciting hatred, discrimination, or violence and act with tolerance.
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MPs are also required to acknowledge that the Federal Constitution and parliamentary democracy are founded on dignity and equality for everyone, and that all Malaysians should promote and respect human rights and freedoms for all, regardless of race, religion, language, or culture.
It also said MPs must affirm that the Federal Constitution and democracy in Malaysia uphold the principle that everyone is born free and equal and have the right to fair protection against any form of discrimination or incitement.
The draft also emphasises the need for MPs to condemn hate speech and incitement against the royal institution and Malay rulers.
The second draft MoU includes similar elements but would be signed between the unity government and PN as a bloc, binding all its MPs.
In his statement, Fadillah said both drafts would be effective from the date of signing until the dissolution of the 15th Parliament or Dec 19, 2027, whichever comes first.
He said the MoUs did not have confidentiality clauses and were governed by Malaysian law.
"The MoUs will automatically be terminated if either party fails to fulfil its obligations. This applies to both the government and the opposition," he added.
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