By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Oct 21 — Equal allocations for the Opposition are possible, provided there is mutual understanding from both sides, said Gombak MP Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Responding to Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, Amirudin, who is also the Selangor Menteri Besar, cited an example from 2018, when the state government allocated funding for the Opposition — a practice that continues to this day.
“I began raising this issue in Selangor in 2018. We provided allocations (to the Opposition) and have continued doing so, but there needs to be a mutual understanding. This understanding does not mean we should argue at every opportunity.
“I believe the (Federal) government has initiated negotiations, but when the response comes through media statements without further discussions, it shows that both sides need to approach this more constructively,” he said during his debating session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
On September 16, the Unity Government revealed two jointly drafted memorandum of understandings (MoU) drawn up as evidence of transparency in negotiations regarding allocations for Opposition MPs.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the decision was made following a statement by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin that Perikatan Nasional rejects the proposed MoUs.
On September 19, Fadillah said the Opposition can submit new proposals or feedback on the draft MoUs concerning allocations for Opposition MPs.
Marzuk once again interrupted Amirudin, asking whether he had read the MoU and sought his opinion on whether Selangor is distributing equal funding to all state assemblymen.
In response, the Menteri Besar clarified that the situation on the state level is not as complex as it is at the Federal level.
He cited the example of Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who, during his tenure as premier (from 2021 to 2022), proposed a solution via an MoU that recommended the formation of a committee. The committee underwent several stages of review to reach a solution acceptable to both sides.
Amirudin further suggested that the MoU should incorporate input from all parties, with counter proposals considered through various platforms.
“Addressing political issues…particularly regarding allocations in the Parliament, should be done through proper action, not merely through statements. I believe such statements can lead to the failure of the MoU,” he said.
