PH committed to fair MP allocations, but consensus needed, says Aiman Athirah

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition is committed to ensuring fair distributions of parliamentary seats, but achieving this requires collaboration and agreement from all parties within the unity government, according to Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, a leader of Amanah. In order to effectively allocate resources, she emphasized the need for a robust legal framework, including detailed guidelines on distribution methods and monitoring systems.

Ms. Athirah highlighted that constituency allocations are not a privilege, but rather a public service intended to meet the needs of the electorate.

However, the current political landscape adds complexity to the issue. The government is a coalition of various parties, each with its own history and agenda. Consequently, significant reforms cannot be implemented without the consent and cooperation of all parties involved. Aiman Athirah clarified that abandoning reform principles does not imply abandoning the reforms themselves, as stated in a recent statement.

Recent reports indicate that some MPs have faced limitations in accessing the MyKhas allocation system, leading to accusations that the PH coalition has renounced its reform commitments. Ms. Athirah emphasized that the coalition remains steadfast in its pursuit of fair and equitable constituency allocations, which are a crucial component of its reform agenda.

To avoid confusion, it is essential to differentiate between constituency development funds and the operational resources necessary for MPs to perform their duties effectively. These two entities serve distinct purposes and are governed by separate mechanisms and levels of accountability. Ms. Athirah stressed that the government's ultimate goal is to establish a mature democracy where citizens from all political backgrounds benefit from development initiatives.