KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) has called for equal constituency allocations for all MPs – regardless of whether they had signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“As leader of the opposition bloc, I have consistently advocated for opposition politicians to receive allocations equivalent to what is obtained by government MPs.
“Allocations must be equal, even if the MP did not partake in the MoU,” the PKR president said in response to Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s (Santubong-GPS) explanation on actions taken by the government so far in fulfilling the MoU.
Speaking during the question-and-answer session today, Anwar further stressed the importance of ensuring the independence of the Malaysian judiciary, which includes upholding the role of the Attorney-General (AG).
“Several instances have made it obvious that there is a policy weakness in addressing this matter,” he pointed out, adding that the MoU will only stand if the judiciary is independent and the AG does not submit to government influence.
“Do not decide to save those with high ranks while doing wrong against poor people through punishments such as the death penalty.
“All of our achievements so far will be sacrificed if we do not protect the independence of our judiciary,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, Wan Junaidi stated that the cabinet is urging swift implementation of listed reforms in the MoU – particularly legislation preventing lawmakers from switching parties.
“In September, a number of cabinet members had agreed that the government should act promptly to introduce this legislation in Parliament,” Wan Junaidi said, adding that the AG was also included in a discussion with stakeholders on the matter.
“The preliminary findings of the discussion will be presented to me by the end of this month,” he said, noting that the government plans to host a meeting with party leaders sometime in December. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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