Slashing MPs’ development funds will affect service: Nanta

KUALA LUMPUR – A federal minister under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unity government has expressed shock and disappointment at the prime minister’s decision to massively slash the MPs’ development allowance from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million. 

Datuk Seri Alexander Nanti Linggi, who is the works minister, said while he understood the rationale behind the austerity, the decision came as a surprise, considering the diverse needs of the population and constituencies, particularly in rural areas. 

He said the new allocation would certainly be insufficient for constituencies like Kapit, which is about the same size as Pahang and offers various geographic challenges. 

“It will pose a bigger challenge for me to manage the various needs of my constituents and improve much-needed infrastructure,” he said in a statement today. 

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak secretary-general added that most other parliamentary and state constituencies in Sarawak face similar challenges and would have to heavily rely on the development allowance.

His comment comes following Anwar’s statement on Friday confirming reports that the allowance for MPs has been significantly reduced to RM1.3 million to better control the country’s finances, and that it will be implemented in stages. 

However, he said the government would consider extending additional allocations for pressing needs in particular constituencies, such as infrastructure repairs. 

Previously, media reported that the new development allowance for government backbenchers this year will consist of a RM1 million outright grant and another RM300,000 for service centre operations. 

Linggi noted that the RM3.8 million annual allocation previously had been extremely helpful for MPs to provide more efficient assistance, as aid could be directed immediately without the need to go through government agencies. 

It had also benefited residents in urban and suburban areas, as well as both M40 and B40 groups affected by the recent economic slowdown, he added. 

“Certainly, the reduction in the allocation will affect the quality of service and government aid that can be channelled by the MPs. In this regard, the government ought to take a more proactive measure to address these constraints. 

“Although I am a bit upset, I am forced to accept this decision and hope the allowance can be increased by the government from time to time. 

“This is none other than to ensure the rakyat can be assisted as best as possible, in line with the aspiration of Malaysia Madani.” – The Vibes, February 6, 2023