Tok Mat: MOU between govt, Opposition must be re-evaluated after Sosma motion bloc vote

SEREMBAN: The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the government and the Opposition on political cooperation has to be re-evaluated, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

The Umno deputy president said this was unavoidable following the government's failure to obtain approval from Opposition MPs to extend a motion in Parliament on Wednesday (March 23) to, among others, extend provisions of Section 4 (5) of Sosma 2012.

"The failure of this motion was something unexpected.

"It shows a carefree attitude, that such an important bill was not dealt with strategically before it was tabled," he said in a statement Thursday (March 24).

He said efforts to get support from all MPs failed despite there being a clear understanding between both sides on matters or proposals involving legal and policy reforms in particular, as disclosed in Article 3 of the MOU.

Mohamad said this also proof that it was difficult for both sides to effectively manage the MOU.

"It is not an exaggeration to take the position that such an understanding has in fact failed to function as expected.

"Governments that are formed, survive and function using such a mechanism are very risky," he said.

The government and Pakatan Harapan leaders had signed the MOU on bipartisan cooperation and political stability on Sept 13 last year.

Under the MOU, the government, among others, agreed not to dissolve Parliament before July 31 this year to allow for a period of political stability.

A provision in the document also stated that Pakatan agreed to support or remain neutral in any motion submitted by the government.

Mohamad said it also goes to show that Pakatan cannot be trusted and that it has become a habit for it to break promises.

"Yesterday afternoon’s Parliament session proved they did not hesitate to violate their stand and promises.

"I believe all this has dealt a great blow and is an embarrassment to the government," he said adding that the Government should consider moving forward and not wait till the MOU matures in July.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin had, on Thursday, tabled a motion to extend the enforcement of a subsection in Sosma to detain suspects for up to 28 days without trial for another five years but this was defeated after it was put to a bloc vote following a heated debate.

The bloc voting saw 84 MPs voting for and 86 against, while 50 MPs were absent.