Reduced allocations make my stress level go up, says Jelebu MP

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. - Filepic/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: An MP says that his stress level goes up when he returns to his constituency because allocations from Putrajaya have been slashed.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) said MPs have to deal with many requests whenever they return to their respective constituencies.

"When I return to my area, my stress levels are up. It used to be okay. Files seeking allocations are piling up on my desk.

"Our allocations are not enough. We cannot distribute to the people asking," he said in Parliament on Tuesday (March 21).

ALSO READ: Allocations for MPs cut as economy still recovering, says Anwar

Jalaluddin also said in some cases, state assemblymen were able to distribute more aid to the needy compared to MPs.

"Stress levels of MPs are increasing. One way to resolve this is for the Health Minister to propose to Tambun (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to increase allocations for backbenchers," he said.

"The other bloc (Opposition) there, lobby for it yourselves," added Jalaluddin.

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

Many backbencher MPs had criticised the reduction, while Opposition MPs were urging Anwar to provide equal constituency funds to all MPs regardless of their political party.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak and Special Affairs) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali previously said that MPs who required funds for their constituencies could make an application to the government through the whips of their parties.

ALSO READ: Anwar says not against proposal to give equal allocation to Opposition MPs

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said that the Speaker presiding over any sessions should be stern and issue rulings against MPs who interrupt other MPs.

Jalaluddin cited an earlier incident when Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) was heckled by other MPs when giving a speech with Deputy Speaker Alice Lau presiding over the sitting.

"Hulu Langat was told to sit for no reason. It increases our stress levels and brings on mental disorders.

"MPs with mental disorders will cause issues in the country," said Jalaluddin.

Earlier, several MPs were seen repeatedly interjecting Mohd Sany's five-minute speech.