KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition members of parliament can apply for allocation for their constituencies through their respective chief whips.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said unlike previous administrations, the unity government was open to consider applications by MPs for distribution of allocation.
"Any MP who has not received their allocation can apply for it through your party's chief whip. The current government, based on our openness and commitment, will not hesitate to consider giving allocations to all MPs in the interest of the people as long our financial position is strong."
He said this in response to supplementary questions by Larry Sng (Parti Bangsa Malaysia-Julau) and Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar), who had asked if the government was considering providing a fair allocation to all MPs, regardless of their political affiliation.
Sng had said MPs in rural areas needed the funds, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where their development was 20 to 30 years behind Kuala Lumpur and other cities.
Armizan said the distribution of allocations to MPs were at different rates according to the reigning administration.
"Some administrations gave only RM100,000 to opposition MPs, there were those that did not give a single sen to MPs and there were also those who would only provide funds if the MPs signed a memorandum of understanding.
"As I said, the current government will always considers applications for allocation. However, for the initial stage we will prioritise the country's fiscal planning and management," he added.