By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 1: Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to discussing allocations for opposition MPs but insists that the opposition must first demonstrate their commitment by submitting a letter along with a formal proposal outlining their needs.
Fadillah explained that while the government had previously drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the matter, opposition leaders had publicly rejected it.
“I need commitment from them. That’s why I informed them to submit a letter and proposal on what they need,” he told reporters after presenting annual grants to the Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs) as well as mosques and suraus for Petra Jaya constituency in a ceremony held at SK Merpati Jepang today.
He stressed that without a concrete proposal, no meaningful discussions could take place.
“If they only talk on social media without implementing anything, what’s the point? Nothing can be done,” he added.
Fadillah reaffirmed that the government is ready to establish a bipartisan committee to assess opposition proposals and reach a consensus.
“That’s why I told them to submit a proposal, and I will set up a committee at both government and opposition levels. Then we can proceed with discussions.
“At this point, what can we discussed (without a proposal of their needs) because they have indicated that they do not want. Do they understand or not,” he said.
However, he noted that only independent Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had approached him with a proposal.
His remarks came in response to Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who questioned whether submitting a letter was a prerequisite for the committee’s formation.
Takiyuddin said he had contacted Fadillah via text after reading media reports on the matter.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Dato Seri Hamzah Zainudin said PN’s next step will be to write a letter to Fadillah for an official confirmation.
At the event, Fadillah presented grants totalling RM591,000 to 87 JKKKs, 30 mosques and 60 suraus.
The annual grant aims to support these organisations in carrying out their activities, including meetings, community clean-up programmes, religious talks and courses, village beautification efforts, community welfare initiatives, and mosque and surau enrichment programmes. — DayakDaily
