The Transformation and Political Stability MoU is a historic moment that paves the way for a better Malaysia!

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Transformation and Political Stability signed yesterday between the Federal Government and Pakatan Harapan (PH) has been dubbed a resounding victory for PH and the rakyat as the coalition has practically leveraged their position to bring forward necessary and lasting reforms for our country. 

Furthermore, the reform deal is also in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for a bipartisan cooperation between the Government and the Opposition in order to return political stability to Malaysia so as to steer our nation out of the Covid-19 pandemic and its scathing impact on our economy.

Here are all the imperative reforms that were sought by Pakatan Harapan in the historic agreement which have been agreed to by the Federal Government to be implemented within a set timeline:

1. Administrative transformation

• The tabling of an Anti-Party Hopping law or something similar
• Expediting the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration
• Amending the Federal Constitution to limit the term of all Prime Ministers to only a maximum of 10 years

Timeline: All of the above reforms MUST be implemented by the Federal Government BEFORE the first Parliamentary meeting in 2022.

2. Strengthening Malaysia’s Covid-19 strategy

• The National Recovery Council must consist of 50% experts, 25% PH MPs and 25% Government MPs
• Additional RM45 billion fiscal injection to fight the Covid-19 pandemic
• Implementing and enhancing the ‘Find, Test, Trace, Isolate, Support and Vaccinate’ (FTTIS + V) strategy against Covid-19
• Allocating RM10 billion aid to 11 million recipients for the B40, M40 and those who have lost their source of income
• Exempting interests for the bottom 50% income earners who have accepted a loan repayment moratorium
• Providing hiring incentives and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Expediting the acquisition of 6 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by September 2021

3. Safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary in Malaysia

Pakatan Harapan and the government have also agreed that the Judiciary must be free from outside tampering especially political interference, and that ongoing efforts must be enforced to ensure the Judiciary is empowered and independent.

Timeline: This reform must be continuous and ongoing so that the Judiciary’s independence can be safeguarded.

4. Implementing the matters prescribed by Malaysia Agreement 1963

The MoU also agreed to strengthen the efforts towards implementing the matters prescribed by MA63.

5. Parliamentary Reform

• Introducing a Parliament Services Act to ensure Parliament becomes an independent institution
• Strengthening the Parliamentary Select Committees
• Equal funding for government and opposition MPs
• Ensuring a more balanced Select Committee according to Article 82(1) of the Standing Order
• Amending the Standing Orders to ensure smooth proceedings of both houses
• Ensure the appropriate rights and privileges are accorded to the opposition leader

Timeline: Must be implemented immediately