JOHOR BARU: The rakyat will continue to receive benefits from government aid and programmes regardless of whether there is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and the Opposition, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He added that this aligns with the Madani government's concept of inclusivity, compassion, and equality, where all MPs will continue to receive benefits from the government, including those from the Opposition.
"When we talk about allocations, they will still be channelled to the people. Our main role as MPs is to suggest projects and the type of aid the people need.
"The government programme will still be there and will continue. No location will be left out, regardless of whether the MOU is signed or not. We will never leave anyone out," he said.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said this during the officiating ceremony of World Water Day at Kampung Bakar Batu, near Sungai Tebrau, on Saturday (Sept 21).
He said this when asked to comment on Perikatan Nasional’s decision to reject the MOU on allocations for its MPs.
Asked whether the draft document will be renewed, Fadillah said there is nothing to be renewed as the proposal has been rejected.
"It’s like when you ask for someone’s hand in marriage but your proposal gets rejected. Will you go to them again?
"I’m a shy person," he quipped.
Last Sunday (Sept 15), Opposition chief Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said Perikatan unanimously rejected the draft MOU because it appeared to conflict with the Federal Constitution, particularly its impact on Malay and bumiputera special rights.
In response to this, Fadillah released two drafts of the MOU a day later, noting that it clearly spelled out the government’s obligations in recognising the important role played by Opposition MPs.
The draft stated that the role played by Opposition MPs must be displayed through loyalty to the country, the Federal Constitution, and royal institutions, as well as acting as a responsible and legitimate check and balance.
The MOU had also included a provision for equal allocations for all MPs.
