Takiyuddin criticises government for reducing development allowances
PN chief whip, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
Its chief whip, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should prioritise the people's interests instead of trying to 'punish' the opposition.
"Development allocations channelled through MPs that provide direct benefits to the people should not be disrupted or reduced," he said in a statement on Saturday.
Anwar confirmed on Friday that the annual allocation to MPs had been reduced from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million.
He said that the reduction in allocations involving the development allowance will be implemented in stages as a measure to control the country's financial flow.
Takiyuddin who is also Pas secretary-general said, PN also urged the Prime Minister to give assurances that the development allowances will be given to all MPs across the country in all parties as has been implemented by the previous government.
"Previously, the allocation was channelled directly to the Member of Parliament Service Center through the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister's Department.
"This guarantee is very important because it is also in line with the Tawaran Harapan made by Pakatan Harapan (PH) during the 15th General Election (GE15)," he said.
He explained that the offer states that PH will provide the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) equally to all elected representatives regardless of party because they represent the interests of the people in that area where the allocation of the funds must be channeled through Parliament and not the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
"PN hopes that the federal government, especially the Prime Minister who is also the Finance Minister, to prioritise the interests of the people and reduce elements such as abuse and revenge against the opposition who have received a legitimate mandate from the people through the democratic channel of elections and fulfill it," he said.
