Anthony Loke calls for equal allocation for all NS assemblypersons

 

Chennah assemblyperson Anthony Loke Siew Fook today called for equal allocations to be given to all Negeri Sembilan (NS) assemblypersons, irrespective of whether they are backbenchers or from the opposition.

Loke, who is from the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition in the state and also the Member of Parliament for Seremban, said the step would be in line with the current political landscape, which he described as more professional and mature, besides respecting the mandate given by the people.

"All assemblypersons should be given an equal allocation to ensure delivery of services to the people goes smoothly.

"This allocation is also given so that basic expenses, especially for office rent or staff recruitment at service centres, can be borne so it means that the assemblyperson's allowance itself does not have to be spent for these purposes," Loke said when debating the Supply Enactment Bill (2022) 2021 at the State Legislative Assembly in Seremban today.

As such, he hoped that the matter would be considered by the state government towards ensuring that new political culture could be implemented in Negeri Sembilan.

"When Pakatan Harapan was the opposition (in Negeri Sembilan), we acted professionally and we were not confrontational with the (Barisan Nasional) government then, the opposition in Negeri Sembilan now (which includes BN assemblypersons) is also good and professional and this should continue,” he said.

The usual practice has been that backbenchers always get more than opposition elected representatives.

- Bernama