Allocations for the people, not MPs

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted that parliamentary allocations are designated for the needs of the constituents, not solely as exclusive rights for elected representatives. He emphasized that the funds are channeled directly to those requiring assistance, including schools, mosques, and projects for repairing public amenities.

“

Allocations are not necessarily given to MPs, allocations are given directly to the people. Since when do we have to give to MPs? If there is RM2 million in allocations, RM2 million to the people, to schools, religious schools, mosques, fixing drains, all of that we will do. There are no restrictions. No need to give to MPs, give to the people. What is important? Allocations for whom? For MPs or for the people? So the issue is, the allocations must be for the people.

"Allocations are not necessarily given to MPs, allocations are given directly to the people. Since when do we have to give to MPs?" Anwar questioned during a press conference after Friday prayers. "If there is RM2 million in allocations, RM2 million to the people, to schools, religious schools, mosques, fixing drains, all of that we will do. There are no restrictions. No need to give to MPs, give to the people. What is important? Allocations for whom? For MPs or for the people? So the issue is, the allocations must be for the people."

This clarification comes amid claims from several government MPs that their allocations have been blocked since May, losing access to the MyKhas portal, a system for applying for area allocations. MPs like Wong Chen, Lee Chean Chung, and Rodziah Ismail have reportedly raised this issue.

“

The policy has been in place since before. When they were MPs before, they knew. Now, they oppose it. So when they oppose it, we channel it directly to the people.

Anwar stated this approach is not new and has been practiced by previous governments, a fact known to MPs who have served in government before. "The policy has been in place since before. When they were MPs before, they knew. Now, they oppose it. So when they oppose it, we channel it directly to the people," he said. He stressed that the government's priority is ensuring the public's facilities and needs are not compromised, even with political differences between the government and local representatives. The core issue, Anwar reiterated, is who ultimately benefits from the funds, not the channel through which they are disbursed.

“

No restrictions, what is important is who the allocations are for? For MPs or for the people? So the allocations must reach the people. Schools, religious schools, madrasahs, mosques, repair of damaged toilets, drains and various other needs, all are approved.