Power is more important than funds – for PN

Power is more important than funds meant for the people. That is the signal that the opposition bloc, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is sending to the masses.

This is despite five of its MPs, specifically from Bersatu, declared their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while remaining in the opposition bloc.

Bersatu supreme council member Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof now claims that 10 backbenchers from the unity government bloc would be switching sides.

“Rather than speculating about more Bersatu MPs supporting the government, I think talks of government-bloc MPs, including from BN and PKR, supporting PN to form a new government, are more realistic.

“I heard about more than 10 MPs wanting to switch blocs. They are studying issues plaguing the government today and realise that it is led by DAP,” Redzuan said, without naming the likely MPs who would make the switch.

At the time of writing, the score for the unity government against PN is 5:1.

There are also reports stating eight more MPs would follow suit the five.

Constituency development funds are an important aspect for a lawmaker as it is meant for local community projects.

No negotiations done for the sake of the constituents

The funds can be obtained by the people faster compared to applying to a federal agency since it needs to be signed by the lawmaker for approval.

The only thing that PN needs to do is negotiate with the government bloc.

Ironically PN has a negotiation team made up of Pas secretary Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) and two others.

However instead of sorting the issue this team has claimed that there are conditions imposed on them that they can’t compromise.

Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal in a viralled video revealed that the issue was not discussed Bersatu lawmakers.

Neither the condition nor negotiation efforts were discussed.

Umno man Datuk Puad Zarkashi speculated the reason behind PN’s failure to negotiate is Bersatu president and PN chairman, Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin who is also Pagoh MP.

If that is true, then one man’s ego for power supersedes the well being of the people residing in constituencies held by PN.