SIGNING a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for political stability and fighting the pandemic with the government later today does not mean Pakatan Harapan (PH) will be joining the government, said coalition whip Anthony Loke.

“Opposition MPs from PH will still take their seats in the opposition bloc (in the House) and will continue playing the role of check and balance for the government,” the DAP leader said in a Facebook post.

PH is set to sign an MOU with the government in Parliament at 5pm this evening, promising to work towards political stability, and channel efforts into fighting Covid-19, rebuilding the economy and reforming governance.

Loke, who is also PH’s new co-ordinating whip leader for the coalition, said the opposition lawmakers will continue to monitor and criticise any weaknesses of the government, and speak out in the interest of the people.

“However, we will give our co-operation for bills and the budget process, which requires negotiation and agreement in principle,” the DAP national organising secretary said.

He said in return the government would implement policies that will help the people, transform the administration system and strengthen the institution of Parliament.

“The full list of the commitments from the government will be announced after the MOU is signed,” the Seremban MP said, adding that the event will find a place in history books.

Loke said, as a PH representative who was part of the negotiation process, he hoped the MOU will restore political stability for the time being, and lead to a dynamic and consultative political landscape.

He hoped the MOU would also strengthen the culture of bipartisan politics, especially in Parliament.

On Friday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob 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 for opposition MPs and government backbenchers in parliamentary special select committees.

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.

Following the announcement, several rounds of meetings between PH and government representatives took place, which resulted in them agreeing to ink the MOU and making the joint announcement yesterday. – September 13, 2021.