Since when do allocations go to MPs, asks Anwar

 The prime minister's remarks come after another PKR MP discovered she could no longer access the MyKhas portal.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said constituency funds are channelled directly to schools or mosques and for public projects rather than through MPs’ offices. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has again denied that the government is restricting development allocations to any MP, insisting that funds are channelled directly to the people rather than through elected representatives.

He said that if a constituency was allocated funds, that sum would be channelled to schools, religious schools or mosques, for drain repairs, and other purposes, Berita Harian reported.

“Allocations don’t necessarily have to be given to MPs. Instead, allocations go directly to the people.

“Since when do we have to give it to MPs?” he was quoted as saying after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Ar-Rasyidin in Alor Gajah.

Anwar’s comments follow allegations from Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, who became the latest PKR MP unable to access the MyKhas portal, which manages special constituency funding.

Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and Subang MP Wong Chen had in recent months also reported losing access to the system.

All three had attended the launch of Bersama, the new party started by former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, in May.

Anwar also said the policy of channelling funds directly to institutions, rather than through MPs, was not new.

“That policy has long been in use. All MPs know about it,” he said.

“There’s no restriction. What matters is: who is the allocation for? For the MP, or for the people? The allocation must reach the people.” - FMT