The development allocation status of opposition MPs is still a mystery

KOTA BHARU - Opposition members of Parliament are urging the government to clarify the status for the development allocations as it still remains a mystery.

Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said some of them are still wondering whether they will receive the same allocation or not from the Unity Government.

"It is still a mystery as when Perikatan Nasional (PN) was part of the government we gave to all members of parliament regardless of whether they were in the opposition of not.

"Previously, I have made a statement asking the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to give a guarantee or certainty that all members of Parliament, including those not from the government, will get allocations in line with the previous government's practice," he told Sinar

It was reported that the government will reduce the development allocations for MP's from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million this year in a move to manage the country's finances.

Takiyuddin, who is also PAS Secretary General, said that the provision should not be reduced, but should be increased instead to ensure that the interests of the people are protected.

"For example, in the Kota Bharu Parliament, there are already 116,000 voters and if you count those who are not yet eligible to vote or who are 18 years old or below, there may be more than 400,000 individuals.

"I understand that members of Parliament from the government also requested that the amount be increased," he said.

Last month, Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim also raised the same issue involving PN-led states such as Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.