YOURSAY | ‘And MPs should be made to publish how they spent that allocation.’

Letter by 36 BN reps supporting PM is for funding, not jumping ship

Jasmine: Any form of development projects, big or small, can be implemented through the state or federal government. Appropriate and properly approved funding for these could be similarly channelled.

This will ensure that suitable and much-needed projects see the daylight rather than attempts at popularity buying, which will result in much wastage on the ground.

Walk around the local authorities' jurisdiction and one can see such allocations spent on “projects” that are merely out to benefit small-time contractors and whoever is on the gravy train.

Public taxpayers’ money given as allocation to MPs and assemblypersons is vote-buying in between elections. Pure and simple. Worse still, this also enables the corrupt to line their own pockets.

Mano: Indeed, why can't the allocations be channelled through the various government departments?

Sin Lee Huang: For me, I am not really worried about the amount allocated but I want transparency.

MPs should be made to publish how they spent that allocation.

Blessed Malaysian: In the new era of new Malaysia, let's do things differently from the old corrupted regime. Full democracy with equal allocation to all.

Vent: I couldn't agree more that in principle, all elected representatives should be awarded the same allocation for their constituencies.

But why should the Pakatan Harapan government even allocate any to the BN representatives when the previously elected representatives were starved to death in their constituencies?

Weren't all taxpaying citizens deserving of the benefits of the funds any morally upright government is compelled and inspired to award MPs?

But this is Malaysia and we had a morally corrupt and racist government who punished the people who voted against them.

So, I believe the opposition MPs should have a taste of their own medicine. And it is imperative to starve them of funds or the leeches will continue to feed on their constituency allocation.

Simultaneously, the people need not be punished and in fact, can be re-educated on what the government can do for them by announcing every new project with the respective minister of the ministry embarking on it in tow as federally funded and explaining the circumstances behind that funding.

And under no circumstances should the leeches get away by trading support for blood money.

If Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad accepts this trade-off, then clearly he hasn’t expelled the Umno in him which is a contentious subject anyway but for another day.

Anonymous Malaysia2018: The federal government under Harapan must give funds to all constituencies fairly as opposed to past BN government which neglected opposition constituencies.

Let Harapan leaders be trailblazers to set an honest benchmark. Set a good example to future governments and also show the world that you are fair to all people in all constituencies.

But there should not be money to be spent freely by MPs. The funds are meant solely for the uplifting of the constituencies and not for self-interest.

The objectives must be clearly spelt out. The cash comes from taxpayers and not from a Saudi prince or Santa Claus to be freely spent. Frugality should be the rule.

MahuSeeLui: These MPs are used to getting easy money from the government. They are now like parasites.

All they want is money just like when they were part of the government, having conveniently forgotten that they gave nothing to the opposition.

They are incapable of working with their constituents and with what is available, including raising their own funds just like what the then opposition did.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as it is said. These MPs are opportunists and not fit to represent the rakyat.

Anonymous 2436471476414726: At the moment, the government is short of funds, no thanks to the grand theft, corruption and money laundering of the previous regime.

Therefore, there is not enough money to allocate to opposition MPs. They have to learn to manage their constituency with their own resources.

When the economy gets better, maybe some allocation can be provided to them.

Drngsc: Yes, just say that we will consider their request when the country's economy is better.

As for allocations, all projects that will benefit the people will be carried out in stages, if and when funds are available.

Clever Voter: It is most irritating and unforgiving for any of the MPs to seek funds ‘for the people'.

We all know just as well that the trickle-down effect does not work, and the sincerity of these people is questionable.

The country is broke simply because revenue from our commodity-based economy is drying up, and new wealth is not coming anytime soon. We are no way near where we should do, recycling old wealth is one and perhaps borrowing seems to be more sensible.

The new government is struggling to govern simply because they find that putting principles into action is harder than they thought. So, MPs handing out their empty bowls is a repeat of the tried and failed method.

YTMQ: The allocation of RM500,000 should have been approved earlier, instead of having differing amounts for government MPs and opposition MPs.

But now, if Harapan approves the increased amount, these BN MPs are going to be indebted to Mahathir. That's not good for democracy.

Sara Wak: BN MPs are also duly elected reps. They are entitled to receive equal government funding for projects in their areas.

The people have decided. That is the benchmark for Malaysia Baru.

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