KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Mastura Yazid seemed to have been caught off guard when her colleague from the opposition aisle questioned her over allocations for parliamentarians.
Earlier, Mastura was explaining the Keluarga Malaysia concept adopted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and assuring parliamentarians that this new philosophy embraces inclusivity.
“The Keluarga Malaysia concept was adopted by the government because it supports inclusivity and applies to everyone regardless of race and religion.
“This concept does not mean the government is focused only on the majority race, but on all races.
“This is abundantly clear following government welfare programmes that are available to all Malaysians,” Mastura said.
Upon the deputy minister finishing her speech, Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu-Pejuang) told Mastura that Keluarga Malaysia should begin in the Dewan Rakyat, emphasising that parliamentarians should be treated equally as they represent their constituents.
The Pejuang lawmaker also pointed out that during an informal conversation, Mastura informed him that all MPs will receive those allocations. He then questioned the government as to whether all parliamentarians are indeed receiving the money promised.
Amiruddin’s queries seemed to have caught Mastura off guard, who apparently struggled to provide an answer before suggesting allocations are only given through the memorandum of understanding signed between Putrajaya and the opposition.
“Correct, I did mention giving all MPs allocations, and I agree everything good should start from the Dewan.
“But if you look at what I said again, I touched on the prime minister’s commitment to implement, add value, or make improvements on the efforts among parliamentarians here.
“It takes into account, in the event there are efforts to add value, that it is related to the confidence-and-supply agreement (CSA) that was signed.
“In the CSA, we must become members, or part of the agreement. That is where the allocation will be funnelled,” Mastura said, before an opposition parliamentarian corrected her by pointing out that the CSA is actually an MoU.
This answer by Mastura seemed to have angered Datuk Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PH), who slammed her over double standards and accused her speech of being mere rhetoric.
“Are you saying our people are not Keluarga Malaysia?” Mahfuz questioned Mastura in the Dewan Rakyat.
In an attempt to quell the horde of questions and comments heading her way from the opposition, Mastura reminded MPs that allocations through parliamentary agencies and departments will continue to be given.
She then urged opposition MPs to keep their focus on parliamentary reforms, instead of politicking. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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