THE government and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have finalised a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU), which they said will ensure political stability as the country continues its battle against the Covid-19 epidemic.

“All the parties agree that this memorandum is to return political stability to the country in order to combat Covid-19 and the economic crisis through bipartisan support,” they said in a joint statement tonight.

The decision was made after several rounds of meetings between PH and government representatives.

They said the MOU on transformation and political stability will be signed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and PH leaders in Parliament tomorrow.

“Both sides agree to completely reveal the MOU to the public as a commitment to full transparency and accountability.

“In line with this spirit and commitment, both sides agreed to sign the MOU tomorrow at 5pm at the banquet hall in Parliament,” they said.

Pakatan leaders including PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and UPKO president Wilfred Madius Tangau will be present at the signing.

On Friday, Ismail offered the opposition seven parliamentary and governance reforms, which included limiting the tenure of the prime minister to 10 years and the tabling of an anti-party hopping bill.

He also offered to give ministerial status to the opposition leader, as well as equal representation between opposition MPs and government backbenchers in parliamentary special select committees.
 
As for legislative improvements, Ismail proposed that all bills including the supply bill be tabled, discussed, and mutually agreed upon in Parliament.

Ismail also offered to include opposition members in the national recovery council and to allow them to voice their views and proposals.
 
Yesterday, Pakatan said it was inclined to take up the offer for the sake of the lives and livelihoods of the people after a meeting with government representatives.
 
The meeting was attended by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke, DAP deputy national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, PKR information chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil.
 
The government was represented by Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin Hassan, de facto Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa, and Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. – September 12, 2021.