Equal constituency fund should be law, not govt discretion - Bersih

Amid controversy over the government's terms for providing funding for Perikatan Nasional MPs, Bersih has reiterated its position that equal funding for MPs should be legislated as law rather than a matter of the government’s discretion.

It emphasised that all MPs should be given equal constituency development funds (CDF) regardless of their political affiliation.

“Failing to provide equal CDF will result in Pakatan Harapan MPs, many of whom had spent longer time as opposition than as government, losing credibility to speak for equal CDF if and when they become opposition again.

“To honour their 15th general election manifesto promise and also to protect themselves from future discrimination - if and when they return to opposition bench - Harapan and BN should legislate for equal CDF,” it said in a statement today.

On the opposition’s criticism of the government’s terms, Bersih expressed dismay at PN’s attempts to put a racial twist on the issue.

“We find it disappointing that the PN opposition has again attempted to racialise an issue which is a straightforward discriminatory practice against opposition MPs, past and present,” it said.

In addition, it urged both the government and the opposition to return to the negotiating table.

It said PN should demand for CDF to be legislated into law, so it can’t be arbitrarily rescinded by the government.

Harapan, BN, and PN should also emulate Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration by negotiating an MOU that includes key reforms to be implemented during the parliament’s term.

The MOU between Ismail Sabri and then-opposition Harapan in September 2021 included an agreement to pass legislation on anti-party hopping, lowering the voting age to 18, and automatic voter registration.

PN’s rejection

PN has been lobbying for its MPs to receive funding for the development and welfare of their respective constituencies, like government MPs already do.

However, the funding came with strings attached, leading PN to announce yesterday that it is rejecting the government’s terms.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin listed four reasons for the rejection: The potential of some provisions to affect Malay and Bumiputra privileges; terms that it regards to be ‘contrary to traditional, cultural, moral, religious, and local values’; concern that some provisions could be misinterpreted and lead to an abuse of power; and that the MOU restricts MP’s parliamentary privileges.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also said the draft MOU contains provisions requiring PN parliamentarians to recognise equal rights for all Malaysians regardless of their race and religion.

He claimed this could compromise the constitutional position of Islam, Malays and bumiputera.

Amidst these objections, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the unity government is open to continue negotiating the terms of the MOU.

Deputy Prime Minister II Fadillah Yusof, who has been leading the negotiations on the government side, revealed the terms of the draft memorandum in a bid to show the opposition’s claims are “baseless”.

Among others, PN parliamentarians were expected to declare their assets within 14 days of signing the memorandum; and refrain from any statement or action that is discriminatory, or to incite against the Malay rulers.

They must affirm that everyone is born free and equal, with dignity, and with fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of their race, skin colour, ethnicity, or religion, and have the right to be protected from any form of discrimination.

They must also pledge themselves to the “Seven principles of public life”, namely: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, transparency, honesty, and leadership.

'Let people judge': Fadillah reveals MOU terms

PN's rejection of draft MOU not necessarily end of talks, says Fahmi

Perhaps PAS fears 'equality', 'fairness' - Chang on MOU rejection

Unreasonable for PN to reject MOU on opposition MPs' allocation - Nga

DPM: Equal funding can be negotiated, but govt won't stray from terms

PN unanimously rejects govt's funding proposal for opposition MPs