Fahmi Fadzil hits back at critics of "dictatorial" MoU

SHAH ALAM - Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has hit back at the two leading critics who slammed the government's "dictatorial" approach in ensuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wins tomorrow vote of confidence.

Fahmi retorted that memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed among political coalitions in the ruling block -- which entailed an automatic-resignation clause against naysayers -- was meant to stabilise and protect the country from hateful politics.

"We in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) understand the need for a stable government hence the reason why we sign the MoU," said the PH information chief in a statement on Facebook today.

"The attacks are led by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Mas Ermieyati (Masjid Tanah MP). Their criticisms are a political hypocrisy," the Lembah Pantai MP added.

Fahmi argued that both Mas Ermieyati and Muhyiddin were dishonest in their objection of the MoU given how the two were completely silent when PH signed an MoU with the previous government which has a clause that compelled their MPs to unanimously support Budget 2022.

"Back then Mas Ermieyati when she was a deputy minister, did she question the MoU? Or rather did you not question it because you were a deputy minister at that time?

"Please stop spreading this politics of hatred. Let us move on, set aside politics and focus on serving the country for the sake of a better future," wrote Fahmi.

Mas Ermieyati had yesterday lambasted the government over the MoU, signed on December 16, calling it a prelude to dictatorship and a threat to a democracy.

The MoU courted controversy due to a clause which required government lawmakers to vacate their seats if they failed to the toe party line and voted against the prime minister or the government.

It cited Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution for its insertion in the MoU.

"Article 49A does not cause any parliamentary seat to be vacated based on a vote taken by an MP.

"There is no such thing in Article 49A. It only deals with a situation where an MP resigns or ceases to be a member of his party.

"This MoU is illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous and unenforceable," she said in a statement on Facebook.