Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said he believed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would increase the allocations for the development fund later when the country’s financial standing improves.

“We must be patient. The prime minister will use his discretion to increase the allocations by the end of this year or next year,” he told reporters after an event at the World Trade Centre here.

He urged all MPs to carry out their duties to the best of their ability despite the reduction in funding.

“We have four and a half years to go before the next general election. So MPs must continue to serve the people despite the smaller allocation.”

Last Friday, Anwar announced the cut in the development allowance for MPs to better control the nation’s finances. He said the move would be implemented in stages.

However, Anwar said Putrajaya would consider providing additional allocations if there were pressing needs – such as to maintain infrastructure – in the constituencies.

MPs across the political divide had reacted negatively to the announcement, stating that this would affect their service to their constituents – especially those serving in large and rural constituencies.

The reduction in development allowance for MPs is expected to be the main issue on the agenda during tomorrow’s meeting among MPs from the government bloc.

Deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan said a total of 148 MPs from the government bloc were expected to attend the session on the eve of the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday.