MUAR MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has questioned how long it will take the government to complete the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) on constituency funds for opposition MPs, saying on his part he has already given his green light.
He said the matter has been discussed for some time now but he is not sure how long opposition MPs have to wait before they have access to the funds.
“I’m not sure how long we’ll have to wait. If (the delay) is about obtaining agreement, I’ve given my green light since last year. If it’s about negotiations, I’ve already met with several representatives and expressed my agreement.
“So how much longer? Government MPs have been receiving funds for two years, amounting to RM8 million, that is, RM4 mil each year,” he told FMT.
Last week, it was reported that the government was preparing the draft MOU.
Two weeks ago, PAS said it was hopeful that the federal government would immediately grant the same amount of allocation to opposition MPs as enjoyed by lawmakers in the ruling bloc.
The Islamist party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said equal allocation across all MPs will not only help produce a constructive opposition in Parliament but would also encourage greater democracy in the country.
By doing so, Tuan Ibrahim said it reflects the reforms promised by the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The opposition was also chosen and voted in by the people (during the 15th General Election). The government should therefore respect the choice of the people by disbursing the allocation to the opposition MPs.
“Having said that, we will wait and closely monitor developments on the matter.”
Earlier, Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the MOU would be unnecessary if the government was sincere in allocating funds for opposition MPs.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, however said an MOU was necessary to ensure mutual understanding between the government and the opposition in focusing efforts on developing and reviving the economy for the well-being of the people. – April 27, 2024
