KUALA LUMPUR – Larry Sng, the Julau MP who became a government-friendly independent after quitting PKR, is shifting blame for his defection onto his former pact.
Sng said Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) constant whining about unequal allocation for opposition MPs could have been avoided had it implemented the necessary reforms while in power.
He stopped short of admitting that the lack of funds is being used by the Perikatan Nasional government to hold his constituency, which is among the poorest in the country, hostage.
Speaking to The Vibes, Sng said when he was on the opposition bench, there was a shortage of funds to address his constituents’ basic needs, prompting his move across the aisle.
“Now that I am aligned with the government, expectations have changed and people expect me to deliver on my promises.”
While critics may view this as “blackmail”, the former Sarawak PKR chief said his decision is the result of PH’s failure to enact laws to ensure fair and equitable funding for all constituencies, irrespective of whether they are held by government or opposition lawmakers.
“PH had the chance when they (spent) 22 months in government to enact laws to ensure equal funding for all MPs, but they failed to do that.”
He said although his decision may have come close to the Dewan Rakyat reconvening, and the possibility of a confidence vote facing Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, this has nothing to do with his move.
“There is no good time to leave any party, but when the time is right to leave, one has to leave, so to speak. The decision is made independent of whether a Parliament session is near.
“We have given the party ample chance to retake the government, and they failed to do it time and time again. People cannot wait any longer.”
Sng reiterated his belief that his switch will benefit his constituency.
“I am confident that the government will place more focus on bringing development to my constituency.
“Given such an opportunity, I will double my efforts to engage with the people to identify the areas that need the most attention and liaise with the government to ensure that such requests are processed quickly.”
Despite his exit from PKR drawing backlash from various quarters, he believes his voters are supportive of the move.
“I think this is good for Julau. The response has been positive. People are happy for more funding, and they need funds. Funds build infrastructure and provide utilities.”
Sng’s exit from PKR was announced on Sunday, when he and Tebrau MP Steven Choong left the party and pledged allegiance to Muhyiddin. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
