PETALING JAYA: Leaders from both sides of the political divide have lauded the historic signing of a memorandum of understanding for political transformation and stability.
They are hopeful the first-of-its-kind bipartisan cooperation will eventually bear fruit for the benefit of the people.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) described the signing as historic.
“This is a historic moment for Malaysian Parliament when the government and the Opposition set aside any political differences for the sake of the people and our country.
“This also shows that democracy in Malaysia will continue to flourish and mature,” he said after the signing ceremony at the Parliament yesterday.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan also gave his thumbs up to the MOU, saying it was fair.
He said it was important to finish the battle against Covid-19 as lives, health and the welfare of the people remained top priority.
“Once Covid-19 is under control and the economy in recovery, it would be good to return the mandate to the people in a peaceful and harmonious manner,” he said.
When contacted, Arau Umno MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said there was no need to test Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s majority as prime minister through a vote of confidence in Parliament following the MOU.
He explained that under the MOU, the Opposition would neither be supporting nor challenging the government.
“When it comes to the tabling of Budget, they are also not against the government. The vote of confidence is not necessary,” he said.
Shahidan also noted that the present administration was governing with a simple majority of 114 MPs and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to this based on the Federal Constitution.
“So it is unwise for us to question the King, simply because we are unhappy,” he said.
Pakatan Harapan communications director Fahmi Fadzil noted that the coalition remained in the opposition despite the MOU.
“Parliament will also not be dissolved before July 31, 2022,” he said.