By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 13: The Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government is offering Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remuneration and facilities equivalent to that of a Senior Minister in recognition of the latter’s party, which has a nearly balanced number of representation in the Dewan Rakyat.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said this was among the proposed cross-party understanding framework that will be implemented by the government if he gets the majority amount of votes during the confidence motion scheduled to take place on Sept 7.
Alongside the offer for the Pakatan Harapan chairman were six other Bills including a Supplementary Bill which will be tabled in Parliament.
“All these proposed Bills will be consulted in advance with all Members of Parliament. A bill will only be tabled if it has the support of a majority of MPs.
“Thus, I respectfully invite all political party leaders to discuss these proposals next week. I will issue an official invitation to all political party leaders to attend this discussion. I am ready to hear their views on this proposal,” he said when delivering a special message on Restoring the Nation Together in live broadcast earlier this evening.
Muhyiddin further said if the proposal for bi-partisan cooperation is agreed upon, he will convene a special session of the Dewan Rakyat in the near future.
He also said he had consulted his Cabinet and the leadership of the parties in PN government prior to reaching a consensus to consult with the leaders of parties outside the PN government to approve the motion of confidence vote for the Prime Minister in the Dewan Rakyat.
“This will enable the current government to continue to manage the Covid-19 pandemic until the time comes for elections to be held to restore the mandate to the people.
“This motion of confidence can only be passed with bi-partisan support in the Dewan Rakyat,” he added.
He believed the government that will exist after the vote of confidence is passed would be a “more stable and inclusive” government, referring to the stability of bi-partisan support in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, while allowing opposition parties to play a more effective and comprehensive check and balance role.
“Political stability is crucial for us to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. We must be compliant and aware, as the process of recovery for this country is not an easy task.
“Therefore, we need the support, effort and focus of all parties to restore and return this country we love to a healthy path of development and growth. When we are unable to stabilise national politics to aid the recovery process, it is the people who bear the misery and burden,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
