Opposition funding: 'Does PM doubt his parliamentary support?'
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has questioned the government’s decision to impose conditions on development allocations via a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for opposition-held constituencies.
The Machang MP further expressed his disagreement with the government’s approach, arguing that it is insincere and pointed out that the Perikatan Nasional-helmed state governments have provided equal allocations to opposition MPs in states like Kedah and Kelantan without any preconditions.
“If the government is giving...
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has questioned the government’s decision to impose conditions on development allocations via a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for opposition-held constituencies.
The Machang MP further expressed his disagreement with the government’s approach, arguing that it is insincere.
He pointed out that the Perikatan Nasional-helmed state governments have provided equal allocations to opposition assemblypersons in states like Kedah and Kelantan without any preconditions.
“If the government is giving equal allocations to opposition assemblypersons in other states without any conditions, why is there a need to impose conditions now?
“Does this mean that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is not confident in his parliamentary support?” the Machang MP told Malaysiakini.
His remarks came after opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said the government has laid out seven conditions for PN to agree in exchange for constituency funding for its lawmakers.
Asset declaration
Among the clauses include matters pertaining to speech that touch on 3R (religion, race and royalty), and obligating all PN MPs to declare their assets to the government.
The Kota Bharu MP said the opposition lawmakers also would need to agree to support the government until the end of this term.
Commenting further, Wan Fayhsal emphasised the suffering of the people in opposition-held constituencies, particularly those living in poverty.
He argued that the government should prioritise the needs of the people, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Even if you don’t want to give it all, at least give allocations that can help the people. Many are suffering.
“Until now, aid has not reached them and many are suffering in our parliamentary areas,” he added.
On Aug 20, Takiyuddin was reported to have said they had received the draft MOU and would discuss it soon.
Takiyuddin previously said the draft needed to be presented to PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin and other leaders for a decision.
On July 9, Anwar stated that the issue of allocation to opposition MPs should not be a complicated matter to resolve.
He added that conditions for any opposition MP seeking to obtain allocations are basic requirements and standard procedures in any negotiation and democratic practice.
