KUALA LUMPUR: Allocations for opposition lawmakers should be done without negotiations, but there should be strict monitoring on how the allocations are used, said a Perikatan Nasional member of parliament today.
Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkfily Jusoh, of Besut, said the decision not to provide allocations to the opposition was a form of discrimination against them as the allocations were also part of human rights.
Che Mohamad said this in his debate on the motion towards the 'Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) 2021-2022' at the Dewan Rakyat.
"Suhakam is a body that promotes human rights in Malaysia, so the allocations (for opposition) also do not require negotiations, discussions or certain conditions as they're a form of human rights.
"The allocations need to be followed fairly based on the constitution as the constituents are Malaysians who have the right to receive the allocations.
"Strict enforcement should be implemented to monitor politicians.
"Provide the allocations, but monitor the spending to ensure that they are used for the development and wellbeing of the people."
He added: "When Perikatan Nasional was in government, opposition lawmakers received allocations.
"So if our country's politics are to advance, the government should provide an equal amount of allocations to all politicians."
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Seri Fadillah Yusof had said the unity government's secretariat would meet to discuss the allocation issue for opposition MPs, following a meeting with PN leaders on March 19.