Development allocation cut to be main focus in govt MPs’ meeting

 

Ahmad Maslan said the meeting involving government MPs will be conducted in a ‘town-hall’ format.

PETALING JAYA: The reduction in development allowance for MPs is expected to be the main issue on the agenda during Sunday’s meeting among parliamentarians from the government bloc.

Deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan said a total of 148 MPs from the government bloc will attend the session on the eve of the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday.

“I’m sure the issue of development allowance will be raised during the session,” he told Sinar Harian.

“MPs will usually hold a meeting a day before the Dewan Rakyat starts. This time, the session will be longer and will be done in a ‘town-hall’ format.”

Earlier today, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi voiced concern over Putrajaya’s decision to reduce the development allocation for MPs from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million.

The Kapit MP said the reduced funds will have a bigger impact on constituencies in the interior, affecting the quality of their services and the distribution of aid to their constituents.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the development allowance for MPs was being reduced in a bid to fine-tune the country’s finances.

However, Anwar said the government will consider channeling additional allocations when there is an urgent need. - FMT