KOTA KINABALU – Warisan is sticking to its decision to stay away from the transformation and political stability memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the opposition and federal government on Monday.
Its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal in a statement today, said that the MoU will weaken the opposition’s role to serve as checks and balances on the government.
“We do not want to be tied down by that sort of agreement. We need to have checks and balances because that is the primary reason for the existence of an opposition.
“During Covid-19, I have not seen any other country, be it the United Kingdom or the United States of America or any developed country having an MoU with the opposition for a political ‘ceasefire’.
“Why should there be pressure on Warisan and other members of parliament to sign the MoU?,” he asked.
Shafie was commenting on DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang urging opposition parties Warisan, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) to support and sign the transformation and political stability MoU for the good of the nation’s future.
Shafie said that he does not see a need for the MoU as serving the people is a priority and should not be limited only to areas where the signatories of the MoU represent.
“There should not be any barrier when it concerns helping the people. Let us help everyone in this country who needs aid, not just food but safety and job opportunities.
“The MoU should not be a precondition to help people everywhere in Malaysia,” he said.
The Semporna MP added that the MoU should lead to results that are evident to the people and not merely serve political interests.
“If Semporna or other areas in Sabah need more vaccines, do we now have to sign an MoU?
“What is most important is the people. It doesn’t mean that one must sign the MoU first so that the people will get help. That is not serving the rakyat. That is serving political interests,” he said.
The MoU was signed by the prime minister and senior leaders of Pakatan Harapan such as PKR president and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Other signatories included DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng; Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau. – The Vibes, September 19, 2021
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