Cut in MPs’ allocations can damage govt’s image, says analyst

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said MPs’ development allowances would be cut from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million in stages. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: An analyst has warned that Putrajaya’s decision to cut development allocations for MPs will affect the public’s perception of the government.

Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said the cut from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million would affect the performance of MPs and would prove challenging for MPs representing the rural constituencies in Sabah and Sarawak which were huge.

“When MPs are not able to deliver on projects, the public will perceive them as inefficient and that will affect their impression of the government,” he told FMT.

He urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reconsider “and make sure that the reduction is not more than 50%”.

Anwar said last Friday that the cut in constituency development allowances was made to control the nation’s finances better and would be implemented in stages.

However, additional allocations would be made for pressing needs, such as the maintenance of infrastructure.

Former Penampang MP Darell Leiking said the government should provide RM2.5 million instead of RM1.3 million, and impose a periodic audit for the government and public to monitor spending.

“This is better than slashing the allocations and depriving the constituency,” he said.

However, if the government insisted on reducing the allocation, then government departments in each district must act faster in responding to the plight of the people.

Yesterday, Gabungan Parti Sarawak secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi said the reduced funds would have a bigger impact on constituencies in the interior and affect the quality of MP’s services.

Political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said, however, that the savings of RM2.5 million per constituency could be directed to areas that needed it the most.

“Not all MPs need or use the RM3.8 million allocation in their constituencies. Some MPs may use the allocation to bolster support rather than fulfilling the needs of their constituents,” he said.

Azmi said Anwar’s decision would help him maintain the popularity of his unity government not just among the different political parties that supported him but also among the public. - FMT