The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) question the unequal distribution of constituency development fund (CDF) by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to opposition and government Members of Parliament (MP). This is in reference to the revelation by Segambut MP, YB Hannah Yeoh (1), and Bagan Datuk MP, YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (2).
In the case of Hannah Yeoh, she claimed that she no longer receive the CDF of RM3.8 million after PN took over the government during the Sheraton Move. The fund was previously allocated by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to government MPs, but has now been diverted and given to unelected PN politicians in Segambut. Zahid Hamidi revealed more discriminatory actions even among fellow MPs who support the PN government when he claimed that MPs from UMNO only receives RM100,000 compared to PN MPs who receives RM3.7 million.
BERSIH 2.0 condemns the unprofessional, unfair, and politically motivated distribution of CDF. The distribution of CDF to unelected politicians should not have taken place and should be stopped immediately as it is not transparent, unaccounted and is an abuse of power. The unelected individual or politician cannot be held accountable in the Parliament as there is no mechanism for them to do so.
CDF should be channelled equally and directly to elected representatives regardless of party affiliation as they represent the interests of the people in the constituency.
Furthermore, due to the emergency, MPs could not question the action in the Parliament as it was suspended until at least in August.
BERSIH 2.0 proposes a constituency development fund law to guarantee that all Members of Parliament are given equal allocation without discrimination and cannot be changed arbitrarily by the government of the day for their own political gain. Allocations for CDF should also be allocated with a strict monitoring mechanism so that there is no leakages, ensuring that the allocation distribution process in the respective area operates transparently and with full accountability.
BERSIH 2.0 reiterates our stand that to bring political stability in Malaysia and for the country to have a healthier and meaningful democracy, the government need to reform the CDF by providing a fair and equal allocation to all elected representatives without looking at party affiliation
Voters should not be punished for exercising their right and responsibility to cast their votes for any party.
Released by,
The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0
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