PUTRAJAYA: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the unity government with the opposition is vital in driving the nation's development and safeguarding the people's wellbeing.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said while the document was "not necessary", it would affirm the cooperation between the parties for the benefit of the people.
"We're currently drafting the MoU so that we would have a joint agenda in developing the country, restoring the economy and most importantly, safeguarding the wellbeing of the people in terms of stability, peace; they're of utmost importance," he told reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house today.
He said the draft to the MoU would be deliberated by the opposition before it could be finalised and revealed.
Fadillah said he was unable to go into detail about its contents as it would be exposed to speculations.
He however did not specify any timeline for the draft agreement to be completed.
When asked whether he was concerned the issue would be played up by the opposition in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, Fadillah said such a situation was a norm in politics.
"More importantly, we're sincere in considering this (MoU) and have in principle agreed to it."
He said he preferred to reserve his comments when asked about Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's criticism on the MoU.
Muhyiddin was reported saying during his tenure as the prime minister, he had provided funds to opposition members of Parliament (MP).
He said the party will assess first if there are any conditions, so as not to bind opposition MPs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said supporting him was not a precondition for MPs to receive allocation funds from the government.