KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will not be extending the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government and the Opposition when it expires, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"We have collectively agreed there is no need for a new MOU or agreement," he told reporters after launching PTPTN’s 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebrations at Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre Wednesday (July 27).
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The Prime Minister said he has met the Opposition leaders and it was not important whether there was a written MOU or not.
Instead, what matters more was that issues stated in the MOU were resolved, he said, adding that this includes the Anti-Party Hopping law and laws on political funding.
This comes after PKR chief whip Datuk Johari Abdul said he could not comment on the MOU deadline although he believes a consensus has been reached between the Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan on the matter.
"I was made to understand that a consensus was reached between Pakatan leaders and the Prime Minister, which we have yet to be informed of," he told reporters in Parliament on Tuesday (July 26).
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However, Ismail Sabri said both Umno and the Opposition have an unwritten agreement to continue the MOU for the sake of political stability.
"What is more important is certain issues (contained in the MOU) such as the Anti-Party Hopping Act, that was debated today, and the amendments to the constitution needed for it.
"With or without an agreement or MOU, we want the Act to be passed to prevent party hopping after the next elections," he added.
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Ismail Sabri said both Umno and the Opposition also agreed on the need for a political funding law and splitting the role of the public prosecutor and attorney general, which was also listed in the MOU.
He also said the MOU did not explicitly state an end date but only that it would be in effect until Parliament was dissolved.
Ismail Sabri also said he would only dissolve Parliament when it has "reached its term" and he felt it was right.
"It could be this year or next," he added.
