Backbenchers back Kiandee’s call for law on equal allocations for MPs

 

Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee said the government must recognise the check-and-balance role played by opposition MPs by assuring them of equal funds.

PETALING JAYA: Three government backbenchers have backed a Bersatu leader’s proposal for legislation to be put in place making it mandatory that all MPs receive an equal sum in allocations.

PKR’s Hassan Karim, Larry Sng of Parti Bangsa Malaysia, and DAP’s Syahredzan Johan all agreed with Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee’s call for Putrajaya to craft a law governing the matter rather than leave it to the discretion of the sitting prime minister.

Hassan Abdul Karim.

Hassan, the Pasir Gudang MP, described the initiative as a “low-hanging fruit” that would not involve much money and can be easily implemented.

“There is no need even to engage with stakeholders on the matter. The bill would be very simple and straightforward,” he said.

He said the Madani government would secure the support and goodwill of opposition MPs if Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim endorses this reform.

“This is one aspect of parliamentary reform and would make it independent of executive control or influence, especially when it comes to finances and funds,” he told FMT, adding that it would also offer the unity government a good narrative when facing future elections, including by-elections.

Julau MP Larry Sng.

Meanwhile, Sng warned that the unity government may regret passing up the opportunity of turning the proposal into law.

“Good MPs must not be forced to compromise on their principles to support the government just because they want to help their constituents.

“In the end, those who are affected most by the lack of funding are the poor and destitute,” he said.

Syahredzan also supported Kiandee’s call but said “this should have been done earlier” by previous governments, even when the Bersatu vice-president was with Umno.

“But better late than never. I am happy that Kiandee has finally seen the light (on) reforms,” said the Bangi MP.

Syahredzan Johan.

Syahredzan said the allocations cannot be left to the discretion of any sitting prime minister to avoid it being “something that can weaponised”.

However, he denied that Anwar was slow in implementing this reform.

Syahredzan said the matter has been an issue for “decades” and it would be unfair to expect Anwar to resolve the matter with the mere “wave of a magic wand”.

“The prime minister is a reformist. I believe that sooner or later significant reforms, including this, will be implemented. However, he and the government must be given time and space to do it right,” he said.

Last week, Kiandee, a former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, said the government must recognise the check-and-balance role played by opposition MPs by assuring them of equal funds. - FMT