MPs call for state govts to sign reform deals with opposition too
PARLIAMENT | Two lawmakers have called on state governments to also work out reform agreements with the opposition, as was done by the federal government with Pakatan Harapan.
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent-Muar) said Harapan-controlled states must implement similar deals, including for equal allocation to all elected representatives.
"Reforms can't be...
PARLIAMENT | Two lawmakers have called on state governments to also work out reform agreements with the opposition, as was done by the federal government with Pakatan Harapan.
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent-Muar) said Harapan-controlled states must implement similar deals, including for equal allocation to all elected representatives.
"Reforms can't be centred only at the federal level. If we truly want to be a fair and equal Malaysia, the same decisions must also be made by Harapan-controlled states.
"If we ask for it in Parliament, then the states must also do the same.
"These are reforms that will last, so that even five to 20 years later when the government keeps changing, these equal rights and treatment to the people regardless of their constituency will be maintained," he said.
Syed Saddiq said this while interjecting in Lim Guan Eng's (Pakatan Harapan-Bagan) royal debate speech at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Harapan had signed a memorandum of understanding with Putrajaya, which, besides securing reforms to Parliament, also ensured equal allocations to MPs who are part of the deal.
Lim said he agreed with Saddiq and had spoken about this with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow - who is also in agreement.
He said for other Harapan states, this would be up to the respective state leaderships.
However, Lim said he had proposed to the Harapan presidential council that the coalition also offer a similar deal to the other side.
Besides Penang, Harapan also controls Selangor and Negeri Sembilan at the moment - both of which are under PKR leadership.
Meanwhile, Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar), also chimed in, saying that BN and Perikatan Nasional states should also ink deals with the opposition.
Lim said he agreed, and that this had already been raised to Putrajaya. He hoped the federal government would give this due consideration.
The Perak government already has a confidence and supply agreement with Harapan which includes equal allocation.
Likewise, the Johor government had said last year that Harapan was its strategic partner, and had increased the amount of allocation given to opposition state lawmakers.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.