Cabinet may discuss equal allocation law in the future, says Fahmi

 The government spokesman says the matter, however, was not discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting.

DAP has called for legislation mandating equal funding for all MPs to remove political discretion from the distribution of constituency development funds, and safeguard voters’ rights across the country. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

The Cabinet may discuss a proposal for a specific law to ensure equal allocations for all MPs in the future, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said.

Fahmi said the matter, which DAP leaders had raised, was not discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting.

“But the prime minister is aware of the matter,” he told reporters after the post-Cabinet meeting.

“Perhaps it will be discussed in the future.”

He was responding to a question on calls from DAP leaders, particularly chairman Gobind Singh Deo, for legislation to ensure equal allocations for MPs.

Gobind said legislation mandating equal funding for all MPs would remove political discretion from the distribution of constituency development funds, safeguarding voters’ rights across the country.

He also said DAP leaders had spoken to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim several times about Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to ensure equal funds for MPs.

On Aug 16, Anwar announced an additional RM1 million allocation for each parliamentary constituency, saying assistance should be prioritised for the people regardless of whether their MPs or state governments supported him politically. - FMT