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Perikatan criticises Anwar over cuts to MPs’ funds, demands equal allocations for Opposition

Malay Mail
Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) insisted today Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should not reduce the development allocation for MPs as the funds directly benefit Malaysians.

PN parliamentary whip Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan also pressed Anwar to guarantee equal allocations for Opposition lawmakers, saying this was contained in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.

“Although the federal government is said to be taking steps to control finances in line with its position and economic constraints in the country, development allocation channelled through MPs for the direct benefit of citizens should not be affected or reduced.

“PN further urges the prime minister to ensure these funds be given to members of parliament of all parties in the country, similarly to previous administrations,” he said in a statement.

This week, Anwar announced that the annual development allocation for backbencher MPs have been slashed as the country's economy was still recovering.

He said the allocations would be increased once the economy improves, but would still be coordinated by district officers and state economic development officers to ensure the implementation of important projects.