Why give funds to opposition without strict conditions, ask Selangor govt insiders

CRITICISM is rising against the Selangor government leadership over a potential “misstep” in a decision to announce allocations for the opposition in the state assembly.

According to insiders, the government intends to announce the grants, which allegedly do not impose stringent conditions on opposition assemblymen, in the near future after the victory achieved in the state election last year.

The plan, however, has not gotten the backing of many in the government and is viewed as shooting itself in the foot.

“We do not understand why it is necessary to provide allocations for state assemblymen in such a manner?” a government source was quoted as saying by Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal.

“Isn’t the state government worried that the funds will be misused? We all know what the opposition has been doing all this time, always trying to topple the government,” the source said.

According to Getaran, the allocation would involve a total of RM400,000, an increase of RM100,000 compared to the previous amount that was decided.

Detractors within the government parties are questioning the rationale behind the decision, especially as it is inconsistent with the practice of the federal unity government. 

“We see that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is very strict at the federal level and has set certain criteria in approving allocations to the opposition.

“Why isn’t the same principle observed by the state government? We don’t want this ‘noble intention’ to hit back at the government,” the source said.

In a related development, another source said that there are concerns among government backbenchers that the allocations for the opposition would be used to mobilise anti-government initiatives.

Strictly speaking, there is no guarantee that the opposition assemblymen will be completely transparent and honest in using the allocations for appropriate purposes for their constituents, the source claimed.

“The government assemblymen are not the only ones who are worried. Supporters and voters feel the same way.

“We are apprehensive that after taking so much effort to win the government in the state election, the state leadership would so willingly give away ‘bullets’ to the opposition.

“When the money is in their hands, what is the guarantee that they will not use it against us?”

Sources also said that the state government has been urged to be selective if it still wants to channel allocations to the opposition.

“Why not just follow the federal (government) way? Only those who support the government are eligible to receive allocations,” said the source.

“This support is not because we want to increase backing for the government. We do not want any camp there to sabotage our initiatives.”

Up till now, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has yet to make an announcement on this matter.

The state finance office’s circular regarding the original allocation amounting to RM300,000 has, however, been distributed since three days ago. – The Vibes, March 3, 2024