Backbencher Loke pushes for equal allocations for Negeri opposition

Backbencher Loke pushes for equal allocations for Negeri opposition

The DAP rep from the ruling Pakatan Harapan state government says this will ensure delivery of services to the people goes smoothly.

Loke Siew Fook says the relationship between the government and the opposition in Negeri Sembilan has always been cordial. (Bernama pic)
SEREMBAN:
Chennah assemblyman Loke Siew Fook has called for equal allocations to be given to all Negeri Sembilan assemblymen irrespective of whether they were backbenchers or from the opposition.

Loke, who is from the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the state and also the Seremban MP, said the step would be in line with the current political landscape, which he described as more professional and mature besides respecting the mandate given by the people.

“All assemblymen should be given an equal allocation to ensure delivery of services to the people goes smoothly.

“This allocation is also for basic expenses, especially for office rent or staff recruitment at service centres. This means that the assemblyman’s allowance itself does not have to be spent for these purposes,” he said when debating the Supply Enactment Bill (2022) at the state assembly here today.

As such, he hoped the matter would be considered by the state government towards ensuring that a new political culture could be implemented.

“When PH was the opposition in Negeri Sembilan, we acted professionally and were not confrontational with the Barisan Nasional government then.

“The opposition in Negeri Sembilan now, which includes BN assemblymen, is also good and professional and this should continue,” he said.

The usual practice has been that backbenchers always get more than opposition elected representatives.

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