RM100,000 ALLOCATION FOR OPPOSITION REPS A GOOD START AND SHOULD BE EXPANDED - UPKO
9 Feb 2021
KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) welcomes the announcement by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor that all 31 state assemblypersons (ADUNs) would get RM100,000 as Covid-19 aids.
In a joint statement issued today, President Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Deputy President Datuk Donald Mojuntin, and Vice President Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that the move is a good start towards depoliticisation of constituency development fund (CDF).
"UPKO congratulates Datuk Seri Hajiji Hj Noor for starting to reform a flawed practice under the BN and Warisan-Plus era.
"However, UPKO is of the opinion that the reform can be expanded and Datuk Seri Hajiji will be remembered by history if his government can enact a legislation that ensures equitable CDF for all ADUNs and MPs regardless of their party affiliation," they said, adding that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah should be more reformist than its predecessors.
The State Government currently gives a state minister annual allocation of RM2.1 million, an assistant state minister RM1.14 million and a government backbencher RM1.1 million. MPs are also given RM10,000 monthly to maintain their service centre.
"But the money is channelled to the Bersatu Division Chairperson for 14 opposition-held constituencies in Sabah and Labuan.
"The RM10,000 should be given to the MP office elected by the people, regardless of party she or he represents.
"Giving RM 1.68 Million to the 13 Division chairpersons of the State Government’s anchor party should be stopped," they asserted.
"UPKO will advocate for this reform both at state and federal level not only under the present government, but also any political coalition seeking for mandate from the people to form the government in the future."
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