KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s “No DAP, No Anwar” policy still stands despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, said Shahril Hamdan.
The Umno information chief stressed in a Facebook post today that the inking of the MoU does not make it a collaboration to share power with PH.
“It’s far from elevating the coalition to helm the country,” he said.
Shahril said it is to ensure political stability in the current unique situation, where the country is plagued by Covid-19 and an economic crisis.
“What was mentioned in Umno’s general assembly was not just ‘No DAP, No Anwar’ for the 15th general election. In fact, we also mentioned no Bersatu.
“If there is any policy change, it can only be made by the general assembly of the Supreme Council,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the PH coalition made history when both the government and the opposition inked an MoU on a slew of political reforms.
The Transformation and Political Stability MoU covers six key points: Covid-19 plan enforcement, administrative transformation, parliamentary reforms, judiciary institution independence, Malaysia Agreement 1963, and the formation of a steering committee.
In the same post, Shahril supported DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke in saying that this does not mean PH will stop being the opposition.
“I am confident that the opposition will still play its role in criticising and providing a check and balance to the government. They will not let go of that licence.
“Similarly, for the government, this MoU does not mean we will erase any differences between parties, or share power in deciding things.
“The final decision on any policy is still in the hands of the government – and the opposition also understands this fact,” he said.
Although the government will still make official decisions, Shahril said, the involvement of the opposition in discussions or ideas will definitely contribute towards political stability, which has been the issue of late.
“The full content of this understanding will be scrutinised.
“However, at this early stage, it gives hope that the government and the opposition can work together to practise a deliberative democracy, especially in Parliament, in order to produce the best outcomes for the people through political stability.
“Conceptually, bipartisan cooperation is nothing new – only this time, it is intensified and more formal than usual,” he said.
Shahril added that it is hoped that the people and nation benefit the most from this MoU through the policies implemented and stability achieved, even momentarily.
“Let the PH representatives express whether they want to be seen as mature, sacrificing for the sake of the people or other narratives.
“But from Umno and BN’s standpoint, we are able to get an advantage because for now the Umno-led government is given space to govern.
“If other people want to support the Umno administration for their own reasons, and as long as we can rationalise their demands not to hurt the people or go beyond the party's boundaries, we will manage to our own advantage as well.”
However, he said he was of the view that if the government does not use this opportunity to serve the people, Umno will be punished in the next general election.
“Regardless, everything is still subject to the performance of the government.
“If the government does not use this opportunity to serve the people, Umno will be punished in the next general election.
“If they perform well, Umno’s image will improve.” – The Vibes, September 14, 2021
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