He said a close relationship between elected representatives and the private sector was needed, though firms should not be seeking something in return from the MPs.

“It was mentioned yesterday that, at this time, many MPs might need to maximise their resources, including their allocations.

“Whether it’s government-linked companies (GLCs) or corporate companies, many of (these firms) can play a role in providing for the people’s needs as (part of their) CSR (corporate social responsibility),” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

He cited his constituency of Lembah Pantai as an example, saying there was constant support from the private sector particularly in aiding students in the area.

“Thankfully, Lembah Pantai is lucky, there are many companies who are caring and involved, not just during festive seasons.

“Therefore, I believe we can think of ways to work closely with companies that have bigger profits, and that they would consider helping constituencies as part of their CSR efforts.”

Fahmi was responding to his Cabinet colleague Alexander Nanta Linggi, who had said the reduced development allocations for MPs will have a bigger impact on constituencies in the interior.

Nanta, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, said it would be challenging for him to manage the various needs in his constituency of Kapit while implementing much-needed improvements to the infrastructure there.

The works minister added that most parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak were deep in the interior and “very dependent” on the government’s development allocation for MPs.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the development allowances for MPs would be reduced from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million.

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