If MP allocation given to weddings, MACC will take action, PM says

 

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that misusing MP allocations will result in action by the MACC.

He said this in response to opposition MPs requesting for allocations to channel to weddings and funerals held by their constituents.

“There are claims that without MP allocations they are unable to help when there is a death.

“I would like to remind you that if this money is used for weddings, action will be taken by the MACC,” Anwar said today.

The prime minister also warned the federal opposition not to claim that allocations were not given to their constituencies.

“There is a difference between constituency allocations and MP allocations. Don’t say there are no allocations for the people,” he said.

Opposition MPs are currently not given any allocations by Putrajaya.

However, the prime minister cited examples where opposition-held constituencies like Sik in Kedah and Ketereh in Kelantan were allocated millions of ringgit for public projects.

Ketereh MP Khlir Mohd Nor, however, interjected and explained that MP allocations were needed to maintain their service centres and to help constituents such as those who have been affected by storms.

“If I go (to a storm-hit area) and there are 50 (people) affected, how do I help them? What I mean is, (for such instances) I don’t mean to use the money for myself,” he said.

Ketereh MP Khlir Mohd Nor

In response, Anwar reiterated that the government is willing to negotiate with opposition lawmakers on a sum before approving the MP allocations.

“A representative from the opposition can discuss with deputy prime minister (Fadillah Yusof), and we will discuss the methods and approve them. I have given my assurance and it is on record.

“But if there are floods, you may write to me as those (instances) are not included in (MP) allocations,” he said.

In April, Perikatan Nasional named Hamzah Zainudin (Larut), Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Bharu), and Radzi Jidin (Putrajaya) to hold negotiations with Fadillah over the allocations. -  FMT