M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Why has the opposition rejected the government-proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on allocations?
No one can pinpoint the arrests of GISB officials due to the opposition’s refusal of the MOU.
PMX Anwar Ibrahim ensured the MOU was acceptable to all races to achieve unity, peace and harmony in Malaysia.
The opposition unanimously rejected the draft MoU for four fundamental reasons, alleging that it contradicts the Federal Constitution and that some conditions in the MoU could potentially affect the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government remains open to collaboration or negotiations with the opposition.
“The government is ready if the opposition wishes to continue negotiations on the MoU, and Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has also said that we are awaiting feedback and a proposal from the opposition.
All parties need to engage sincerely in efforts to reach an understanding, as Pakatan Harapan (PH) did when it was in the opposition.
In Malaysian's eyes, the rejection has created a sense of suspicion that the opposition, PN is very racist in its refusal for the following reasons:
- Rejection has exposed the opposition’s racism, extremism, hypocrisy and double standard
- Bersatu and PAS – two key parties of PN – said the terms will force them to recognize equal rights for all citizens
- This is an admission that the Islamist party is racist. regardless of religion and race
- PAS wanted the position of Islam and the rights of Bumiputera (so-called sons of the soil) to be included in the MOU
- An opposition leader said he can’t sign because the Unity Government’s MOU prohibits discrimination
- MOU will prevent Opposition PN from spreading hate speech, especially involving 3R (race, religion and royalty).
- MOU goes against traditional, cultural, and moral values
This is not the same ideology in 2020, when Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was confident that Malaysians would be the most harmonious and united society in the world if the principle of Rukun Negara concerning courtesy and morality were being dutifully observed in everyday interactions, physically or virtually on social media.
“If we can continue being polite, considerate, and courteous in our everyday interactions, I’m confident that we will be the most harmonious and united society in the world,” he said when launching the 50th-anniversary celebration of Rukun Negara at the Perdana Putra Building here today.
The then Prime Minister said it was not difficult for Malaysians to observe courtesy and morality as they already made up a society of highly civilised, well-mannered and courteous people.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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