PETALING JAYA: Opposition leaders say they will take the time to study the offer of parliamentary and government administration reforms by the Prime Minister before deciding whether to formally accept the proposals.

       PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the proposals as “a good start” but said discussions were still underway to find the best common ground to address the Covid-19 pandemic, safeguard lives and free the people from their financial woes.

       He said that Pakatan Harapan would propose an additional allocation of RM45bil to lighten the financial burden of the people.

       The Port Dickson MP also said Pakatan was grounded on parliamentary and fiscal reforms and pro-people programmes, including a moratorium on bank loans for those in the M40 and B40 groups, as well as the independence of the judiciary.

       “Pakatan will continue to play our role as the Opposition by stressing good governance.

       “We are also determined to eradicate corruption.

       “It should be made clear that our demands should be given appropriate consideration and as a check and balance to the Executive,” the Opposition Leader said in a statement.

       On Friday, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob proposed reforms such as an anti-party hopping law, limiting the prime minister’s term to 10 years, and more representation from the Opposition in decision-making in parliamentary select committees.

       The Prime Minister also offered the implementation of Undi18 and each Bill including the Supply Bill to be negotiated and jointly agreed with the Opposition.

       Other offers were for opposition members to be involved in the National Recovery Council while the Opposition Leader will be given remuneration and facilities on par with those of a minister.

       Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu ranked the anti-party hopping law as the most important reform to be made before the next general election, since it was crucial to win over voters’ confidence.

       “This is very important to attract the youngsters who have grown to hate politics, to get them to come out and vote and exercise their democratic rights,” he said in a Facebook Live session.

       “If there are no anti-party hopping laws, I’m very worried about the inclinations of the middle class Malays and non-Malays in coming out to vote come GE15 (15th general election).”

       Mohamad also said Pakatan had decided it was best to let Ismail Sabri continue as the Prime Minister until the next polls could be held at a suitable time.

       Parti Pejuang Tanah Air president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said although the party welcomed the reforms, it would study in detail each of the offer.

       “We welcome the proposals as they came from Pakatan’s manifesto during GE14.

       “However, we must ensure that the proposals are in line with our stance,” he added.