PAKATAN Harapan has violated the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and opposition after asking that a division vote be conducted on a motion to extend the enforcement of subsection 4(5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for another five years at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa said in his opinion, the opposition’s action has essentially nullified the MOU.

“In my opinion, with their action, the MOU is cancelled. And this is a ‘blessing in disguise’ as the prime minister can now cancel or suspend the implementation of the agreement,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Article 3.3(b) of the MOU states that PH agrees to support or remain neutral in any motion submitted by the government, he added.

Annuar said this will make it easier for the prime minister to dissolve Parliament – a mandate adopted at the recent Umno General Assembly.

This will also pave the way for the 15th general election (GE15) to be held, he added.

“Suspend the MOU! Jom! We will get ready for GE15,” read his post.

The motion to extend the enforcement of subsection 4(5) of Sosma for another five years was not approved by the Dewan Rakyat today.

The motion, tabled by Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin, was not passed in a division vote that saw 84 MPs agreeing and 86 disagreeing.

When announcing the results, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said 50 MPs were absent during voting. – Bernama, March 23, 2022.