Media Statement by Member of Parliament for Seremban, Anthony Loke Siew Fook on 29 October 2020:

1) The concept of ‘Confidence and Supply Agreement’ is a common political cooperation in Commonwealth countries practicing the Westminster Parliamentary Democracy system.

2) If you want to delve deeper into the matter, you may find further information here.

3) This cooperation refers to an official agreement agreed upon by both the ruling party as well as the opposition without neither of them forming an official coalition.

4) Normally, this agreement is needed by a ruling party that do not have majority seats or when its position is not stable in Parliament.

5) Examples of countries that have engaged in such agreements are New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

6) This agreement is needed so that the government can function as per usual such as getting Parliamentary approval in annual National Budget and the ruling party would not fall through a Motion of No Confidence in Parliament.

7) Opposition Members of Parliament may choose to agree with such agreements, pending to certain terms and agendas mutually agreed upon without either joining or supporting the ruling party. The Opposition is also free to voice out or criticise government policies.

8) In view of the political turmoil faced by our nation in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this concept has been suggested by some quarters as a temporary solution to avoid Parliament from being dissolved.

9) Is the Malaysian people ready to accept agreements such as this between the Government and the Opposition?

10) I would like to hear your opinion on the matter.

Thank you.

Anthony Loke Siew Fook,
Member of Parliament for Seremban.