Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bersatu-Bukit Gantang) said the MPs of these rural parliamentary constituencies were the most in the know about what their constituents needed.

“During the briefing on the 12MP, the Economic Planning Unit chief said that it had formed 13 inter-agency planning groups and 193 focus groups while 17 engagement sessions were held with state governments, but only three times with MPs.

“Even then, there were some MPs who weren’t involved. So, how will the information needed on developing these rural areas be channelled to the government when MPs are the ones who are constantly in touch with the people?” he asked during his debate on the 12MP.

He suggested that Putrajaya ensure all ministries hold “open days” periodically with MPs to get their feedback on such matters.

He also said some rural areas still lacked their own economic growth centres to catalyse economic activity, questioning how families there would be able to attain Putrajaya’s goal of an average household income of at least RM10,000 a month.