Political economist Firdausi Suffian said this was the first time opposition MPs have been afforded any such allocation in Sabah.
He said the amount of RM100,000 was not much but it was “something unprecedented during an unprecedented crisis”.
“The opposition assemblymen now have some money to help those in need so yes, I think GRS’ image has improved.”
Firdausi said it was understandable that the government had chosen the said amount to be distributed due to its revenue being severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But the funds can be increased to more than the RM100,000, perhaps in the next round.”
Chief minister Hajiji Noor had announced that the allocations were to help assemblymen resolve problems in their respective constituencies and to aid the people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hajiji said the special allocation is proof of the GRS government’s sincerity and is also in line with its efforts to ensure that the people are able to face this pandemic with as much help as possible.
Sabah opposition leaders such as Warisan vice-president Jaujan Sambakong, state DAP acting chief Frankie Poon and state PKR chief Christina Liew reacted positively to the move but agreed the amount was insufficient.
Upko leaders including its president Wilfred Madius Tangau also noted the allocation was a good starting point but pointed out legislation is still needed to ensure the equal distribution of constituency development funds to all assemblymen regardless of party affiliation.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Romzi Ationg said problems could arise if the funds never actually reached the opposition MPs.
“This would raise another issue as it would cause much disappointment among the opposition leaders. Also, the people will start to question the government if the benefits are not felt by the people on the ground,” he said.
Hajiji, who is Sulaman assemblyman, had said that the total RM3.1 million in funds would be channelled as soon as possible to opposition assemblymen through the respective district offices.