CYBERJAYA: The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the proposed equal allocation for MPs is still open for negotiations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the MoU has not been finalised and could still be amended following further discussions.
He then said that there had been five meetings regarding the proposed allocation.
"Hold the meetings first. The draft MoU can be amended," he told reporters after launching the 29th Hari Hasil celebration on Monday (March 10).
Anwar was responding to Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who said the conditions imposed by the government for equal allocation were too strict and unfair.
Muhyiddin said this was a valid reason for the opposition coalition's rejection of the draft MOU.
Meanwhile, Anwar dismissed claims by opposition MPs that they are financially struggling and in debt due to a lack of allocation.
"Some say they are poor and in debt, but do you know how much an MP earns if you include all allowances? It can reach between RM30,000 and RM40,000. So, it's not that they don’t have money," he said.
Anwar said Opposition MPs are making it an issue both inside and outside Parliament.
"Why make noise outside to be a street warrior," he said.
Anwar said the difference in the distribution of the proposed equal allocation is that it will now go directly to the respective constituencies and the rakyat.
"The allocation for the proposed projects will not go directly to the MP but to their constituency and the rakyat," he said.
He added that the respective MPs would still have a role in providing feedback on the allocation for the proposed projects.
