Transparency, cooperation needed to ensure funds managed well: Ramanan

PETALING JAYA – PKR’s Sg Buloh MP Datuk R. Ramanan has urged all ministries and government agencies to carry out their mandate of managing respective allocations properly.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat for the first time yesterday, Ramanan expressed his gratitude for fund allocations to MPs, but was also concerned that the message of good governance following the motion would not reach the people.

“Although fund allocations were reduced, the political will stressed by Tambun (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-PH) ensures a more transparent system. Therefore, ministries and government agencies should do their due diligence in allocating funds,” he said during his Budget 2023 debate.

“However, I am worried that this message will not reach the people.”

Ramanan added that deliberations to identify constituents’ critical needs should no longer be at the discretion of parliamentarians.

Citing traffic and road maintenance issues in his constituency as an example, Ramanan said that highlighting the problem to the right authorities was challenging.

Having various local authorities and district offices in a given area, he said, could inconvenience the people.

Nonetheless, Ramanan said he believes this can be solved with optimal cooperation and transparent communication between ministries and government agencies, with the people’s interests at heart.

At the same time, Ramanan also urged all MPs to be united, despite differences in ideologies.

Pointing to first Malaysian prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman’s assertions that Malaysia’s fundamental strength lies in its unity, Ramanan said the country relies on the teamwork of its leaders.

“We have to show other countries that despite our differing political views, any attempt to challenge our nation will be opposed together,” he said.

“A civil society is formed under the values centering on equitable rights of humanity,” he added. – The Vibes, March 7, 2023