MOU aims to recognise DAP's Setapak Declaration, claims PAS Youth

Echoing opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, PAS Youth has alleged that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the allocations for opposition lawmakers appeared to conflict with the Federal Constitution on the special rights of the Malay and bumiputera.

Pointing out that the special rights are enshrined in the Constitution, the wing claimed that the MOU is a “recognition of the Setapak Declaration championed by DAP”.

The Setapak Declaration of 1967 refers to DAP’s “viewpoint that in the process of nation-building, ethnic equality must be made the paramount principle, and it is upon this principle that the separation of citizens into bumiputera and non-bumiputera is strongly opposed”.

PAS Youth described the MOU as a tool designed to strengthen the Madani government’s position, silence Perikatan Nasional from pointing out administrative failures as well as “allow parties to touch on matters related to Islam, Malays, and the royal institution”.

According to Harakah, the wing claimed the MOU contained elements that would stifle the freedom of opposition MPs to serve as checks and balances.

“This is because the MOU itself is a violation of the government as the executive towards opposition parliamentarians and binds them with regard to their role in Parliament.

“The conditions in the MOU are a form of violation of the separation of powers principle by the federal government, which is attempting to weaken the opposition in Parliament,” it said.

Furthermore, PAS Youth said the condition which prevents opposition MPs from making statements or speeches related to 3R (race, royalty and religion) is unclear.

The wing questioned if the condition would forbid the opposition from responding when other quarters touch or insult Islam, the special rights of the Malays and bumiputera, as well as the royal institution.

“This is clear that they do not want the opposition to voice out on matters related to 3R so that they can easily issue statements which touch on religion, race and royalty, such as (DAP vice-chairperson) Teresa Kok in the halal certification issue and Pahang DAP which insulted Muslims about the closure of gambling premises,” it added.

‘Tyrannical govt’

On Sept 15, Pahang DAP chief Lee Chin Chen expressed shock at Pahang PAS’ goal to close gambling establishments, including the Genting Highlands casino.

He said such a move could hurt the economy, including the livelihoods of Muslims working at the tourist destination.

PAS Youth alleged that the MOU reflected the government’s insincerity in providing allocations to opposition MPs and, therefore, oppressed the people.

“This is the real face of the Madani government, a tyrannical government,” it added.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported Pakatan Harapan Youth censuring PN for putting its political ambitions above the people’s interests with its “endless drama” over the MOU.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister II Fadillah Yusof said the opposition can submit new proposals or feedback, adding that the the existing draft can serve as a basis for these discussions.

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