KUCHING - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said today he is still waiting for an official application from the opposition bloc to discuss the issue of financial allocations for its Members of Parliament (MPs).
Fadillah said although he had met Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan recently regarding the matter, it was an unofficial meeting.
"I have told them (Perikatan Nasional) to make an offer (application) in black and white. So long as we (Madani government) haven’t received an official letter, there won’t be any negotiations.
"You have to remember that during the time of the Keluarga Malaysia government, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed and negotiations were held. It’s just like asking for one’s hand in marriage; how to discuss when there is no offer?” he said in a lighter vein.
Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, told reporters this at his Aidilfitri open house here, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Fadillah was earlier reported as saying that Takiyuddin had been asked to submit the opposition’s proposal in writing so that the two sides could enter into negotiations.
He has not set a time frame for the Opposition chief whip and Kota Bharu MP to submit the proposal.
PN has appointed its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Bersatu vice-president and Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin and Takiyuddin to hold talks with the government on the matter. - BERNAMA