KUCHING: The unity government’s decision to consider allocating funds to opposition representatives is being hailed as a ‘win-win’ scenario beneficial for both parties involved.
Political analyst Professor Dr Novel Lyndon said this move is seen as highly significant; because the recipients of these allocations would eventually be the people regardless of their political background.
This, he said, also highlighted the principle of mature democracy.
However, he said, the details of the allocations need to be more comprehensive to ensure they are used to help the people and facilitate the services provided by the parliamentary service centres.
“This is also essential to maintain transparency and accountability in governance. Additionally, it contributes to political stability in the country,” he added.
At the same time, Dr Novel said, it demonstrates that the current government is ready to negotiate and listen to the issues of parliamentary members from both sides; which will also enhance the image of the Prime Minister and the current federal government in line with the “Madani” slogan – that promotes inclusivity across regions and political divides.
“I expect this to be somewhat similar to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the administration of the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Certainly, there are several matters that need to be discussed, examined, and agreed upon collectively. In other words, every MoU to be signed should include several agreed-upon items between both parties,” he explained.
He said the opposition should maintain and enhance their role as a check and balance in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“This is fundamental to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
“At the same time a law needs to be introduced to ensure that allocations are channelled to opposition members at the federal and state levels. This is a democratic principle because the people have already chosen,” he added.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the unity government secretariat would meet to discuss allocations for opposition MPs.
Fadillah said this was a follow-up to a meeting he had with Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee last month.
“I asked what they wanted, and he (Hamzah) said they wanted allocations and that they would leave it to the government to decide on the conditions (for the allocations),” Fadillah said.
