MA63 among 6 aspects of MoU between govt, opposition

Representatives from the government and the opposition today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to return political stability as the country continues to battle the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability was signed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and top Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu and Lim Guan Eng as well as Upko’s Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun, Ketereh MP Annuar Musa, Seremban MP Anthony Loke, Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Pulai MP Salahuddin Ayub and Upko deputy president Donald Peter Mojuntin.

Ismail said in a statement that six aspects were involved in the MoU, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on the rights of Sabah and Sarawak.

The others are the empowerment of the Covid-19 plan, administrative transformation, parliamentary reforms, freedom of the judiciary and the formation of a steering committee.

“The transformations introduced by this government are not only towards economic recovery and efficient administration in battling Covid-19, but are also to catalyse a conducive investment environment while driving strong economic growth for the well-being of the Malaysian Family,” he said.

Representatives from the government and PH, including Sabah-based Upko, said yesterday that the MoU would return political stability as the country continues its battle with Covid-19.

They said both sides would give focus and priority to a new political landscape through initiatives of transformation and reforms of governance, especially in strengthening the role of parliamentary institutions

They also said they had reached the decision following a series of talks between Putrajaya and PH, where they agreed to a bipartisan approach in Malaysia’s road to economic recovery from the pandemic.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said in his opening speech at the Dewan Rakyat today that the government and the opposition should practise “consultative democracy” in resolving problems.

He also said that the people were looking for maturity through the bipartisan cooperation of all parties.