Negotiate, don't just demand allocations, Anwar tells Opposition

KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition has been advised to engage in proper discussions with the Government to request allocations instead of making demands. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to handle this matter on behalf of the government. During his speech on the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Sept 19), Anwar emphasized the need for discussions, agreements, and his approval rather than arrogance. He also highlighted that no allocations were granted to the Opposition during the tenure of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

According to Anwar, when Ismail Sabri took over, he appreciated the latter’s stance, which was to engage in proper discussions to secure allocations. Representatives were sent to discuss the matter, and there was a clear direction in place. Subsequently, Ismail Sabri invited Anwar for a lunch meeting, where they further discussed the issue before reaching a decision. Once an agreement was reached, it was signed and approved. In contrast, there are currently no discussions or signatures, which Anwar believes goes against an MP’s right. Anwar reiterated the importance of proper discussions and warned that otherwise, he would not grant approval.

Anwar also highlighted the distinction between allocations for constituencies and allocations for MPs. He stated that any misuse of allocations meant for constituencies, such as for personal events like weddings, would lead to action being taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Earlier on the same day, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil responded to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s criticism on the issue of unequal allocations for Government and Opposition lawmakers. Fahmi stated that the Opposition had not yet presented a proposal for equal allocations to Fadillah. He urged Syed Saddiq to discuss the matter with Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

During Ismail Sabri’s term as prime minister, Opposition MPs in Peninsular Malaysia who signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government received RM3.5 million in outright grants and RM300,000 for service center operations. Similarly, MPs from Sabah and Sarawak who signed the MOU received RM4 million in outright grants and RM300,000 for service center maintenance. The MOU encompassed six initiatives, including Covid-19 plans, administrative transformation, parliamentary reforms, Malaysia Agreement MA63, judicial independence, and the establishment of a steering committee.