PETALING JAYA: Counter-proposals from the Opposition on the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) on allocations to MPs were expected, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He added that he has yet to receive a formal response in writing from Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and he only has come to know of the rejection as reported in the media.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event in Betong, Sarawak on Sunday (Sept 15), Fadillah said that he had expected counter-proposals as the MOU is still a draft.
Fadillah, who was appointed to negotiate the MOU with the Opposition, further said he expected counter proposals from the opposition, rather than complete outright rejection, as it was still a draft.
“Whatever the Opposition had stated in their media statement, I respect the views of the opposition MPs. As stated, that was a draft of the MOU," he said.
“When the draft was proposed to them, I was expecting their feedback and their counter proposals as to what was drafted. However, I respect their views and I will wait for the feedback from the opposition in black and white," added Fadillah.
He added that he would take the feedback to the unity government's discussion committee to determine the way forward.
“We will also discuss whether this is the final decision from the Opposition, to not speak further on the MOU. We have yet to know whether the statement meant that they are not open to discussions anymore," said Fadillah.
“I have yet to receive any formal reply in writing from the Opposition on the MOU draft. For now, we only know of what the Opposition said in their media statement," he added.
Fadillah said that this formal reply is what will be brought to the unity government's committee.
On Sunday, Hamzah said that Perikatan has unanimously declined the MOU regarding allocations for its MPs and identified four key reasons for its rejection.
He listed the four reasons as being unconstitutional, contradictory to cultural, moral, and religious principles, abuse of power and curtailing of democratic freedoms.
