KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional is ready to return to the negotiating table to discuss allocations for Opposition MPs if the terms are fair, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
The parliamentary Opposition Leader said he recently met with PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on the matter.
"Hopefully, we can sit down and think about it in a more open, fair manner and not just think of one side... the draft only favours the government side," he said in a recent interview with Sinar Harian.
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"That is why we cannot accept (the memorandum of understanding proposed by the government).
"If the MOU is fair like I said, considers the welfare of the people and has the country's future in mind, we would not simply oppose it.
"However, if a government is not fair and I see that it is not taking proper care of the people's welfare, I would rather be in the Opposition and continue to speak out against things that are not done well."
Hamzah said Perikatan unanimously rejected two sets of draft proposals before this as the terms were unfair to the coalition and their constituents.
"Everyone can tell if the MOU is fair just by reading the draft.
"I believe many people are with us and would tell us not to sign it.
"The draft did not give the Opposition room to speak up about welfare, justice and equality, and ensure checks and balances.
"If something does not feel right, we should be able to point it out.
"If we cannot criticise anything, that does not bode well for the country's future," said Hamzah, who is also Bersatu deputy president and Perikatan secretary-general.
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In September, Perikatan unanimously rejected the two drafts of the MoU with the government, citing four primary concerns.
Hamzah had said some conditions in the MoU were seen as unconstitutional.
He criticised the draft for including terms that conflicted with traditional, cultural, moral, religious, and local values.
"This draft MoU also appears to restrict MPs’ freedom of speech.
"Each MP is entitled to speak on behalf of their constituents, protected under Act 347, the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952,” he said.
