PETALING JAYA: The decision by four opposition MPs to back the current government highlights the country’s “tragic political reality”, where the need for development funds sway political allegiance, says Bersih.
“Those aligned with the government receive public funds, while those who do not support the government face punitive measures in the form of withheld allocations,” the electoral reform group said in a statement.
It called on Putrajaya and Perikatan Nasional to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) similar to the agreement signed between Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government and then opposition, Pakatan Harapan, in 2021.
The MoU signed two years ago stipulated equal allocations to all MPs for four months.
Bersih said an MoU could address a range of reforms, including equitable constituency development funds, recognition of shadow Cabinets and further parliamentary reforms.
“This would enable both the government and the opposition to cooperate and compete professionally in addressing economic challenges and improving the well-being of the people.”
It went on to suggest that the government and opposition consult Senate president Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who oversaw most of the institutional reforms contained in the 2021 MoU.
Bersih’s statement comes hours after Jeli MP Zahari Kechik became the fourth parliamentarian from Bersatu to back the current government.
The others are Gua Musang MP Azizi Abu Naim, Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman and Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, who decided to back the current administration for the sake of their constituents.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain and Suhaili have since been suspended for four and six years respectively by Bersatu.
Earlier today, Suhaili confirmed with FMT that he received allocations for his constituency after declaring support for Anwar’s government on Oct 30.
He said the allocation was received on a pro rata basis, but declined to reveal the amount. - FMT
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