PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is satisfied with the commitment shown by the various coalitions and parties under his administration after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the respective coalitions’ secretary-generals today.
Speaking to the press after the signing ceremony, the prime minister said he was extremely encouraged by the level of trust between the coalition partners and the “firm commitment” promised by the political leaders.
“We’ve agreed on the broad parameters and policies to ensure the government is stable.
“We concede that no party managed to have a clear majority. Therefore, given the advice of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers, it makes a lot of sense to achieve this understanding based on shared principles and policies.
“There is no reason we should be talking about fragility and problems faced by myself and the team.”
He had earlier witnessed the signing ceremony with other coalition and party chiefs such as Sarawak premier and GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, deputy prime minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sabah chief minister and GPS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, and Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The memorandum was inked by their respective secretary-generals Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Pakatan Harapan), Datuk Seri Zambry Ab Kadir (BN), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (GPS), Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (GRS), and Datuk Loretto Padua Jr (Warisan).
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the memorandum emphasises a stable government, and he believes that Anwar is capable of bringing about a “strong federal government” that will steer the nation towards recovery from post-pandemic issues, especially in light of next year’s poor economic projection.
“The Sarawak parties subscribe to that. The most important thing is that Malaysia is stable and we can develop our economy. That is our top priority.
“Therefore, Anwar as prime minister gives his views on our collective behalf. We trust you (Anwar) to pursue our development agenda, and at the same time help the rakyat in terms of transforming the economy,” said the Sarawak premier.
Zahid, on the other hand, voiced his happiness that the memorandum will protect the Malay community’s special rights and privileges, Islam as the country’s official religion, Bahasa Melayu as the country’s national language, and the royal institution.
He also voiced his agreement that the country’s economy must also be a top priority, and promised support and stability from the BN coalition in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
Meanwhile,Shafie stressed that Sabah requires a prime minister who will not fool around when it comes to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and is supportive of Anwar, as it is one of the clauses in the memorandum.
“MA63, the formation of Malaysia, is embedded in this unity government. I believe this is how we can unite to be better, but more importantly, this can lead to political and economic stability,” he said.
Hajiji said GRS will give its utmost support to the prime minister, while pointing out that political stability is needed at this moment in the country’s history.
He added that Anwar brings new hope for Sabah, particularly in terms of economic development. – The Vibes, December 16, 2022
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