Recently, DAP had upped the ante by urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to live up to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto and grant equal development funds for all constituencies.
For the record, only government MPs receive these funds currently, while in opposition-held constituencies, the money is channelled through government-appointed liaisons—not elected MPs.
Shockingly, funding is now reportedly inaccessible to some of PH's own so-called “rogue” MPs!
But with DAP now forced to push for reforms before more of its traditional supporters desert it, will Anwar actually heed the party's call and reverse his somewhat unpopular decision?
Ironically, his own party PKR was born out of the reformasi (reformist) spirit, with its goal being to reform institutions, stop the abuse of state power, and establish fair democratic rules. As such, treating constituency funding fairly should rightfully be an integral part of its core principles.
Or has this controversial issue become another failed reform test for his PH-led Madani administration?
The thing is, is it morally right for public funds to be used by the government as a “gift” to reward its loyalists and at the same time be wielded as a “cane” to punish opposition lawmakers and voters?
Come to think of it, is it not ironic that it took DAP to remind Anwar of his own party's founding principles of fairness and justice?
But hang on, where are the other reformist voices in the coalition, and why aren't they putting pressure on PMX?
The bottom line is, in a democracy, public money belongs to the rakyat—not to government leaders. Moreover, won't using those funds as a sort of “bargaining chip” to secure loyalty from MPs be deemed by some as unethical and unfair to the rakyat?
Crucially, the act of withholding funds meant for the people, including taxpayers, will also be perceived as political revenge and makes for poor optics.
Definitely, this tactic won't score Anwar or PH any points—or win over any new voters. In DAP's case, it could even further damage its already tattered reputation as a party that supposedly stands by its principles of justice and fairness.
Yes, the government has claimed that the allocation still reaches the rakyat through appointed liaison officers, but what its critics will inevitably ask is: where is the transparency in its distribution?
In truth, DAP may have done the honourable thing by “urging” PMX to swiftly act on the funding matter. However, won't many of its distraught supporters expect the party to put its foot down and “demand” this promised reform to be fulfilled given that it is in PH’s own manifesto?
Of course, some may claim that this is what realpolitik is all about. But here is the disturbing question: isn't withholding equal funding from the opposition—and even “rebel” MPs—clearly a dangerous double-edged sword?
Can’t Anwar and his lieutenants in PKR see the potential repercussions?
Imagine, what happens if, post-GE16, PH ends up back in opposition? In such a scenario, if the law isn't changed now, what guarantee is there that the incoming government—say, BN or PN—will not resort to using the exact same alleged “negative” tactics against PH?
Who will suffer then? Won't it be those taxpayers in the Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, and other PH-DAP strongholds who have always faithfully voted for a transparent, accountable, and a just government?
Here is the harsh reality: at a time when support for PH is at its lowest ebb, should Anwar not demonstrate to his supporters and the rakyat that his coalition actually practices what it preaches; that it cares for all citizens—not just its own base?
Seriously, what does it stand to lose by swallowing its pride a little?
In fact, while they still hold the levers of power in Putrajaya, Anwar and PH should use this opportunity to get the equal constituency funding law passed without any fuss or delay; unless they are prepared to see their own MPs “forced” to get down on their knees to beg the future prime minister for funds.
As it stands, the ball is in Anwar's court to get this crucial law passed before the current parliamentary term ends. It would also undoubtedly receive strong support from opposition MPs, who themselves have been starved of much-needed funds.
So what's stopping him then?
To its credit, at least DAP seems to have finally seen some sense and has plucked up enough courage to push for it; but will Anwar be moved to heed the urgent call from one of his most faithful allies? Or, like some of the other promised reforms, will this also turn out to be too little, too late?
Main information source: Malaysiakini.
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