Equal isn't fair: Bangi MP calls for voter-based funding model
KUALA LUMPUR: Constituency allocations for members of parliament should take into account not only equal access but also the number of voters and circumstances of each constituency, said Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has called for the consideration of voter numbers and constituency circumstances when allocating funds to Malaysian MPs. He argued that equal funding for all MPs, regardless of political affiliation, does not guarantee fairness. Syahredzan pointed out that Bangi, his constituency, has over 300,000 registered voters, more than three times the national average.
Comparing Bangi to neighboring constituencies with fewer voters, such as Hulu Langat (160,000 voters) and Putrajaya (42,000 voters), he emphasized that the MP for Bangi must serve a larger population. He stressed that the MP for Bangi serves 700,000 people, as they cannot differentiate between voters and non-voters. Syahredzan suggested that constituency funding should account for both equality of access and fairness, incorporating factors such as the number of voters.
Additional considerations should include the cost of maintaining offices and staff, which varies between regions, and the differing needs of rural and urban areas. He advocated for legislation to codify constituency funding for all MPs, regardless of political affiliation, ensuring a fair and proportionate distribution based on voter numbers and unique constituency circumstances.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
