Put MPs’ allocations under Parliament’s control, says Shahidan

Arau MP Shahidan Kassim called for equal opposition representation on parliamentary select committees, claiming some had only three opposition MPs among 10 members. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) has called for constituency allocations to be placed under Parliament’s control instead of under the prime minister’s purview, to ensure fair treatment for all MPs.

He said Parliament’s restored independence should extend to constituency funds, and that opposition MPs still did not receive the same allocations as government MPs.

"We want the allocations currently being given to government MPs to be transferred to and managed by Parliament," he said after law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said briefed the Dewan Rakyat on the Parliamentary Service Act 2025.

"Parliament should manage MPs. The prime minister should no longer interfere," he said, adding that the speaker should oversee the distribution of funds.

Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) interjected, saying Shahidan had confused Parliament’s powers with those of the government.

Chong said constituency allocations remained under the executive, which decided how they were distributed.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul then ordered both MPs to sit down, urging them to let the newly appointed Parliamentary Service Council discuss the matter first.

Johari, who co-chairs the council, said its government and opposition representatives could discuss the matter, and pledged to treat both sides fairly.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin welcomed the assurance but said fairness should extend to all parliamentary matters.

Shahidan also called for equal opposition representation on parliamentary select committees, claiming some had only three opposition MPs among 10 members.

He also urged Johari to ask Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to place constituency allocations under Parliament’s control.

Azalina said MPs should raise their concerns through their representatives on the Parliamentary Service Council, adding that she would no longer oversee Parliament’s administration. "This is your show, this is your Parliament," she said.