Anwar says not against proposal to give equal allocation to Opposition MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he isn’t against proposals to give the same funding enjoyed by backbencher MPs to the Opposition.

However, Anwar said there has to be a discussion between the Opposition and the government first.

“But, the negotiation process hasn’t started. But, instead, the hostility process started.

“I suggest the chief whips and relevant ministers negotiate and we decide. The faster we solve this, we can approve this by tomorrow or the day after,” said Anwar during Prime Minister Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (March 7).

On Monday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) urged the government to allocate RM300,000 to every elected representative, including the Opposition, to enable them to channel immediate aid and assistance to flood victims in their areas.

Elaborating further, Anwar said equal allocations were given during the tenure of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob following such negotiations.

“But, when Pagoh (Muhyiddin) was the PM, we did not get anything. That’s okay because now is the Madani government, we should be fair,” said Anwar.

Anwar also said there is no need to declare an emergency over the ongoing floods in Johor as the situation remains under control there.

“According to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and safety teams, there is no need for an emergency.

“Disconnected areas were reconnected, and the army also built Bailey bridges,” said Anwar.

Anwar also congratulated Johor for being prepared for the floods this time.

“Preparations for the state machinery and district officers are effective and assistance was also rendered immediately,” said Anwar.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Maybank and CIMB agreed to give a six-month moratorium for loans to affected victims.

“I hope more banks will follow Maybank and CIMB,” added Anwar.

Anwar also said he previously cancelled flood mitigation projects because such projects were approved via direct negotiations

“I cancelled the projects to ensure that it goes through the tender process,” added Anwar.

Continuous rain that started on Feb 28 has caused flooding in many parts of Johor, forcing tens of thousands of people to seek shelter at temporary flood relief centres.