BY ZAHID ZAKI
KUCHING: The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the coalition of parties in the Unity Government is an effort to increase confidence in the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister.
This was pointed out by political analyst Professor Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat.
“Secondly, this MoU acts as a reminder to the politicians in the coalition parties to continue their loyalty and support to Anwar’s leadership,” he said when interviewed today.
According to Neilson, everyone knows that many members of the coalition parties that join the Unity Government have a record of “not only jumping the party but also leaving the party and so on.”
“This is also the real purpose of the MoU which was signed before Parliament convenes. However, the vote of confidence in Parliament will be done individually.
“It means even if an individual represents party A, he can choose not to vote. Therefore, if we look at the MoU, there are some specific things, especially about the actions to be taken if certain decisions are not followed,” he said.
“Therefore, the MoU is more or less an oath of allegiance to the government leaders this time so that everyone follows the instructions given.
“Although it is not a binding or a legal contract, this MoU is a contract for all parties to promise to move forward in terms of supporting the leadership.
“It is to ensure that the government can continue to function as it prepares for the presentation and approval of the budget in the Parliament that will convene in the near future,” Neilson explained.
Commenting further, he said for a political party with high discipline such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the members would follow the leader’s instructions.
“So, it is not an issue for them. Even without signing the MoU, the party is loyal because its members are very disciplined,” he added.
