Millions of ringgit meant for constituency development have been used to cover personal expenditure incurred by some Barisan Nasional members of Parliament, including equipment purchases and holding of 'open house'.

This was revealed in a written parliamentary reply from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) who had asked how much had been claimed since April last year against the annual development allocations provided to BN MPs .

He also asked for a breakdown of expenditure on the employment of assistants; rental of service centres; office renovations; purchase of mobile telecommunication equipment, furniture and equipment; and catering for events like prayer sessions and 'open house'.

Abdullah, in a one-page reply made available to malaysiakini today, said 109 parliamentarians had claimed a total of RM119.9 million since they were elected in March last year.

"Of this, a total of RM3.14 million was used for hiring assistants; RM0.85 million for furniture purchase; RM19.21 million for equipment purchase; RM0.14 for mobile telecommunication equipment purchase; and RM10.60 million to cover expenses of holding 'open house' and feasts," he said.

He did not explain the use of the remaining RM85.96 million.

RM500,000 only for BN MPs

BN parliamentarians are each entitled to a development allocation of RM500,000 from the Prime Minister's Department every year. There are 199 BN MPs in the House.

Opposition MPs are not entitled to the allocation, which is meant to support the development of the constituency in terms of infrastructure and facilities.

Commenting on the reply, Tan was critical of allocation, saying it is an additional "personal allocation" for BN MPs in disguise, on top of their monthly salary and perks.

"Everyone knows a MP is not entitled to (hire) an assistant, so how could such expenses fall under the special allocation? Furthermore, it has been used to buy mobile phones and to finance 'open house'," he said.

"I would support the allocation if it is used for fund donations of computers to schools for instance. This reply shows the money is for their own use - this is another way in which funds are being misused."