Parties making unity govt official

PUTRAJAYA: Coalitions and parties in the unity government will sign an agreement today that will, among others, seal their commitment to work together until the end of this Parliament term.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while such an understanding already exists, it should be made official to ensure the administration will not be plagued by political uncertainty.

“This coalition agreement is meant to be long term so that the government can ensure that its plans and policies run smoothly and can be fully implemented.

“The move will bring about greater confidence in the government,” he said in an interview.

He added that with the agreement in place, laws and motions can be passed without obstacles or hindrances.

“There are other salient points of the agreement but let’s wait until the signing ceremony,” he said when asked on the details of the agreement.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Barisan chairman, said a meeting would be held tomorrow to inform coalition members of the agreement.

The agreement will also ensure that lawmakers from unity government parties will support motions tabled by the government in the Dewan Rakyat.

Leaders from Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Parti Warisan are expected to be present to witness the signing which will take place at 3pm at Bangunan Perdana Putra here today.

Secretaries-general of the coalitions and parties will be signing the agreement on behalf of their political organisations.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also confirmed that an agreement would be signed by party chiefs who have expressed support for the unity government.

Fadillah, who is also the chief whip of GPS, said the agreement would formalise cooperation with Pakatan in the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“There will be a signing ceremony involving all parties that have agreed to the formation of the unity government.

“The media can ask about the contents of the agreement and its focus,” he said after attending the Institute of Malaysian Plantations and Commodities convocation yesterday.

To a question, Fadillah said which coalition manifesto would be implemented by the unity government was not discussed.

“But one of our priorities will be on the cost of living,” he added.

GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun confirmed that he and coalition chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor would be attending the signing ceremony.

Warisan president Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal will also be at the event.

After the 15th General Election last month, in which no coalition had the majority support needed to form the government, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decreed a unity government be established.