DAP pushes for equal constituency funding, asks Penang to show Putrajaya the way

DAP is advocating for the Penang government to create a Constituency Development Fund (CDF) law to guarantee equitable distribution of development funds among assemblymen, irrespective of their political party allegiance. Anthony Loke, the DAP secretary-general, announced this demand during a statement yesterday, stating that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party has decided to request the Penang government to enact such a CDF Enactment, aligning with the reform agenda previously advocated by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Loke expressed his belief that the same principle of fairness should be extended to the federal level and applied by other states as well. This request was one of several reform matters deliberated at the CEC's inaugural meeting following the DAP National Conference on August 16. Beyond the CDF law, DAP is also pushing for two significant constitutional reforms to be debated and decided during Parliament's upcoming October session.

These proposals include the separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, as well as a 10-year term limit for the Prime Minister. The proposed Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 seeks to establish a Public Prosecutor independent of the Attorney General, along with safeguarding provisions for the latter. The second bill aims to curb the Prime Minister's tenure to a maximum of ten years.

During the CEC meeting, discussions also centered on the party's stance on the motion approved by delegates to keep DAP's leadership in the federal government until the conclusion of the 15th Parliament term. The CEC acknowledged this decision and pledged to fulfill it responsibly. Furthermore, the CEC deliberated on preparatory steps for the upcoming Melaka and Sarawak state elections, focusing on defending all seats currently held by DAP and identifying potential new contesting areas.