PETALING JAYA: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has questioned how long it will take the government to complete the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on constituency funds for opposition MPs.
The former Muda president and youth and sports minister said the matter had actually been discussed for quite some time and that he had also expressed his support for its implementation.
“I’m not sure how long we’ll have to wait. If (the delay) is about obtaining agreement, I’ve given my green light since last year. If it’s about negotiations, I’ve already met with several representatives and expressed my agreement.
“So how much longer? Government MPs have been receiving funds for two years, amounting to RM8 million, that is, RM4 million each year,” he told FMT.
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He said then that Muda, which has one seat in the Dewan Rakyat, would form a “third force” in the opposition bloc “as the voice of the rakyat” and provide check and balance.
Last week, it was reported that the government was preparing the draft MoU.
On Sunday, Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the MoU would be unnecessary if the government was sincere in allocating funds for opposition MPs.
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof, however, said the document was necessary to ensure mutual understanding between the government and the opposition in focusing efforts on developing and reviving the economy for the well-being of the people.
Syed Saddiq also said the government should not waste the opportunity to develop the country through constructive politics.
“We must remember that in politics, there are ups and downs. If we institutionalise reforms (such as allocation of funds), regardless of who is in the opposition, everyone will benefit,” he said.
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