KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional has unanimously declined the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding allocations for its MPs, says Opposition chief Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said that the opposition has reviewed two versions of the draft proposal and identified four key reasons for its rejection.

"The initial concern is that the draft MOU appears to conflict with the Federal Constitution, particularly in its potential impact on the Malay and Bumiputera special rights enshrined within it," he said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 15).

Hamzah said that the MOU contradicts cultural, moral, and religious principles, featuring conditions viewed as clashing with traditional, cultural, moral values, and local norms.

He added that the proposals could be misinterpreted or lead to an abuse of power due to their lack of clear mechanisms, possibly paving the way for violations or non-compliance unilaterally.

Hamzah then said that the proposal seemingly curtails democratic freedoms, adding that it could limit MPs' freedom of speech, despite their protected right to represent the people under Act 347, the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act 1952.

He also reminded the government of Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto pledge to distribute the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) equally among all MPs, irrespective of party lines, and noted the public's scrutiny over the fulfilment of these promises.

On September 3, Bernama reported Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan's statement that the government had proposed seven conditions for the Opposition. These included supporting the government until the conclusion of the 15th Parliament to qualify for allocations, without specifying the amounts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier, on July 9, stated that providing allocations for Opposition MPs should be a straightforward matter to address.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/15/perikatan-nasional-unanimously-rejects-government-opposition-mou