Analysts: Bipartisan ties a sign of political maturity

PETALING JAYA: The memorandum of understanding on bipartisan cooperation between the government and the Opposition has been lauded as a sign of political maturity. Analysts say it is one that should be acted upon immediately.

Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said the move was historical and would stabilise the country’s political climate.

“It will allow for more maturity in Malaysian politics. It is important at this stage of the National Recovery Plan,” he said, adding that it would still allow the Opposition to play the role of checks and balances.

He, however, cautioned that the MOU should not remain as a signed document but that it would be acted upon immediately.

“Similar to how the Undi18 initiative was moved quickly in Parliament and received bipartisan support.

“It’s possible to get it done immediately if everyone is sincere and committed to what they are doing. They must move beyond politics,” he added.

National Professors Council senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said the MOU was the way forward, whereby institutions were used to enhance democracy for the good of the people in the long run.

“This is a perquisite for us to become a mature democracy, which is a win-win situation for all,” he said, adding that it would be for the good of the government, the Opposition and the rakyat.

Dr Jeniri said reforms such as equal development funds for all parliamentarians and equal representation in special select committees augured well for the country’s future.

Former deputy speaker of Parliament Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said hailed the MOU as a step forward towards political stability via a “ceasefire”.

“I fervently hope that this will not compromise MPs’ role in ensuring checks & balances... Btw, unfinished business from last session is not good for business,” she tweeted on Sunday.

Senior fellow with Singapore Institute of International Affairs Dr Oh Ei Sun said that if the MOU was a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA), the Opposition would have to explain how it could still provide effective checks and balances against potential excesses by the government of the day.

“I frankly don’t know how that will be achieved because it appears that an overwhelming portion of the Opposition is now signing on to this CSA, assuming that it is.

“Assuming that it is just to pass so-called reform proposals, I would be more comfortable. If it is a full fledged CSA, I think the Opposition will really have to think twice,” he said.