Fahmi: Priority is to ensure funds reach the people directly
KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister has the discretion to determine how the special constituency allocations are channelled, says Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
“These special allocations are the Prime Minister’s allocation, so it is up to him how to channel them.
“What is important is that the money goes directly to the people and not the MP,” he said, emphasising that the funds are meant for constituents.
As such, the allocation was not a personal entitlement of MPs but the priority was to ensure the aid would reach the people, he told reporters after launching the Safe Internet Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) programme here yesterday.
Fahmi was responding to questions following reports that several PKR MPs had lost access to the MyKhas portal, which manages constituency development allocations.
Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung are among those who have raised the matter.
This comes amid talk of them being aligned with other political platforms.
Yesterday, Fahmi explained that there was an existing mechanism for constituents to seek assistance through the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), including those living in opposition-held constituencies.
“For those who need help, MyKhas is managed by the ICU. So if there is a need, assistance can be provided through the ICU,” he said.
Fahmi stressed that MPs themselves could not use the allocation for personal purposes.
“It cannot be used by me personally. The money is for the people, residents and voters in the constituency,” he said.
During the PTA forum yesterday, Fahmi called on parents to play a greater role in protecting children from online threats, including scams, cyberbullying and sexual grooming.
“Parents should understand the latest online risks, activate parental controls on devices and applications, and verify information before sharing it,” he said.
He also warned parents about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), saying children should not view AI as a friend or substitute for human relationships.
Fahmi reiterated the government’s move to prevent children below 16 from opening their own social media accounts, while allowing parents to create accounts for educational purposes.
