Talks With Govt Over Agreement Still In Early Stages Harapan

---

 


It's too early to say that Pakatan Harapan is ready to strike a confidence and supply agreement (CSA) deal with the government, said the coalition's chief secretary.
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (above) said the talks are still in the early stages - and that the agreement was not quite a CSA.
"(Damansara MP) Tony (Pua)'s remarks are premature. It's too early in the talks to make a decision," Saifuddin told Malaysiakini.
Pua earlier said Harapan was ready to accept a CSA deal from Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob if he offered the reforms promised by the latter's predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin.
Among the reforms offered by Muhyiddin included term limits for the prime minister, the equal allocation for all MPs, and an anti-party hopping law.




Damansara MP Tony Pua
Saifuddin confirmed that talks have been initiated and that a representative of Ismail Sabri had contacted Harapan after the coalition's leaders met the prime minister on Wednesday.
A working committee has been formed to negotiate with the government as part of phase one of the talks.
"Then the prime minister will enter formal negotiations with Harapan. There are many phases before an agreement is made," he added.
Saifuddin said a final decision would only be made by the Harapan presidential council.
He also stressed that the coalition would not become part of the government.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin clarified that the agreement would not be a CSA.
He said this is because a CSA is only offered by a minority government, whereas Ismail Sabri has a majority.
"It is more of an agreement for the sake of the people... the negotiations don't follow a CSA model."  - Mkini

---