Anwar will score points with rakyat if MPs get equal allocations, says Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR: If all MPs receive equal constituency development funds regardless of political party, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will gain public support - even among Perikatan Nasional supporters, says Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

“Let YB Tambun (Anwar) score a major point because we will inform our voters and supporters that he gave us allocations that are the same as backbenchers,” he said during his speech on Budget 2023 in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27).

Hamzah also said Bersih 2.0 had recently written to him and the electoral watchdog felt that equal constituency development allocations should be given to all MPs.

“I want this matter to be taken into account to ensure justice for everyone,” added Hamzah.

Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) then interjected to point out the irony, considering Anwar’s “reformasi” movement formed over two decades ago.

“Is this (unequal allocation for MPs) in line with the ‘reformasi’ movement aimed at ending injustice by the former administration?” Abdul Latiff asked.

At present, backbencher MPs receive constituency development funds of RM1mil and RM300,000 for maintaining the expenses of their service centres.

However, Opposition MPs had not received any funds from the government so far and Perikatan Nasional leaders consistently raised the matter.

Later on, Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) asked if Anwar was given ministerial amenities by the government during his time as Opposition leader.

“When I was the home minister, Tambun (Anwar) asked and we gave (him a ‘rider’),” Hamzah said in response.

“We don’t need to mention who asked and who gave, it isn’t an issue to me because I want to inform here that Tambun is my friend,” added Hamzah.

He noted that he had a cordial friendship with Anwar although disagreement occasionally happened between friends.

“When we make peace, then we give what we can, it is not an issue. Whether or not it’s fair, that depends on the person holding the power now.

“But if he feels that this is the time to teach a lesson to those who are against him, then that is an issue,” Hamzah added.

In October 2021, the Opposition leader position was elevated to ministerial level as part of the memorandum of understanding between the former administration led by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Pakatan Harapan.

However, Anwar, who was then Opposition leader, declined the monthly salary of RM14,907, RM12,320 in entertainment allowance, monthly housing allowance of RM4,000 and special emolument of RM1,500, among others.

Other benefits included RM3,000 once every three years for climate-appropriate clothing for travel, as well as RM1,500 every three years for formal attire and “black tie” events.