KOTA KINABALU: Political stability is essential to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic is being handled according to effective strategies.
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said among measures that could maintain this political stability was if the government signed a Confidence and Supply Agreement with the opposition.
"There will be no necessity for the opposition to cross to the government when they are given equal allocations.
"Allowances for elected representatives would enable them to do their job and serve their constituents," he said, adding that the allowances for opposition lawmakers in Sabah have been revoked.
He was speaking during a virtual press conference here today.
Prior to the press conference, Madius had presented nine proposals during an audience he was granted with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
One of those nine proposals was on political stability.
Madius said Upko hoped senior leaders from the opposition bloc would be included in the National Security Council, which would allow them to share their input. This would help in the decision-making process for matters such as the Movement Control Order, he said.
On a related matter, the Tuaran member of parliament said the proclamation of emergency since early this year did not serve its purpose in containing the pandemic, and he hoped the emergency would end soon.
He said the party also looked forward for Parliament and state legislative assemblies to reconvene.
"One of the challenges is disconnectivity, in which the government could not feel the 'pulse' of the people (without Parliamentary sitting).
"When Parliament reopens, it should form as many Parliamentary Select Committees as possible as it is important for check and balances on government policy," he said.
On a separate matter, Madius said the proposal by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to set up a National Operations Council was impractical as its members would not comprise parliamentarians or the people.
He urged the government to prioritise the welfare of the people especially those being quarantined.
He also urged for the authorities to expedite a moratorium on loans as well as the distribution of devices and to improve Internet connectivity.
As for the Covid-19 National Vaccination Programme, the former science, technology and innovation minister urged for more types of vaccines to be approved and administered so that Malaysia could achieve herd immunity soon.
"For now, the country only approves three types of (Covid-19) vaccines. The World Health Organisation, which is a more qualified body, had acknowledged the safety of many more types of vaccines.
"For a more inclusive approach, there should be a policy that allows state governments and companies to procure and implement the programme.
"Upko also welcomes the initiative to vaccinate immigrants. However, we are hoping that citizens will be given priority."