Keep MoU with PH until next GE, PAS tells govt

PAS today called for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and opposition bloc Pakatan Harapan (PH) to remain in force until the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the next general election (GE15).

In a statement welcoming Umno’s decision to name Ismail Sabri Yaakob as its prime ministerial candidate for GE15, it voiced hope that his agenda for unity would be continued.

“PAS hopes that the agenda for unity pioneered by Ismail will be continued as it has succeeded in creating stability as well as a good and harmonious political climate in the country,” it said in a statement by party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

“PAS is also confident that the MoU on Transformation and Political Stability between the federal government and the opposition bloc which, in general, took effect on the date it was signed and applies until the dissolution of the 14th Parliament of Malaysia, will continue to help the country’s recovery process under Ismail’s leadership, in all aspects including health, economic, social and the well-being of the people.”

The MoU was inked with top PH leaders Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu, Lim Guan Eng and Upko’s Wilfred Madius Tangau on Sept 13 last year in a move described by Ismail at the time as “consultative democracy”.

He also said that his Umno-led government was ready to implement a series of reforms to strengthen the role of Parliament, similar to that made by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin at the tail end of his administration which was spurned by PH.

The MoU covered MA63 on the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as well as the empowerment of the Covid-19 plan, administrative transformation, parliamentary reforms, freedom of the judiciary and the formation of a steering committee.

The Umno Supreme Council yesterday decided against extending the agreement beyond its expiration on July 31 this year.