KUCHING, April 25 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said today he is still waiting for an official application from the Opposition bloc to discuss the issue of financial allocations for its MPs.
Although he had met PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan recently regarding the matter, it was an unofficial meeting.
“I have told them (Perikatan Nasional) to make an offer (application) in black and white. So long as we (the MADANI government) have not received an official letter, there will not be any negotiations.
“You have to remember that during the time of the Keluarga Malaysia government, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed and negotiations were held. It is just like asking for one’s hand in marriage; how to discuss when there is no offer?” Fadillah said in a lighter vein.
Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, told reporters this at his Aidilfitri open house earlier today, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He was earlier reported as saying that Takiyuddin had been asked to submit the Opposition’s proposal in writing so that the two sides could enter into negotiations.
Fadillah has not set a time frame for the Opposition chief whip and Kota Bharu MP to submit the proposal.
PN has appointed its secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Bersatu vice-president and Putrajaya MP Datuk Radzi Jidin, and Takiyuddin to hold talks with the government on the matter.
— Bernama
