ISKANDAR PUTERI: The issue of slashed development funds for members of parliament (MPs) will be the main topic to be discussed during a retreat for government MPs this Sunday.

Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said 148 MPs from the government block would be present at the retreat held in Putrajaya, a day before the Dewan Rakyat meets on Monday.

"Wait for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's answer at the retreat (on the issue of slashed development funds for MPs this year).

"Surely, the question of the development fund will be raised during the retreat, which was previously known as a briefing session.

"Usually, a day before the Dewan Rakyat sitting, government MPs will have a meeting or a briefing session. This time, the session will be longer and will be made as a retreat in Putrajaya this Sunday."

He said this after a Johor-level 2023 Budget Dialogue session at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here, today. Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Yesterday, Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi described the allocation cuts from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million as insufficient, especially for his constituency, which he said had similar geographical challenges and land area to Pahang.

Nanta, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, said the cuts would pose a greater challenge to MPs in managing the many needs of the people and improving the infrastructure.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the development allowance for MPs had been cut to RM1.3 million from RM3.8 million.

He said the move was aimed at improving control of the country's finances and would be implemented in stages.

He said the move involved the development allocation for MPs coordinated by the District and Land Office and state development office.

Meanwhile, Ahmad, who is also Pontian MP, said the 2023 Budget session was very important to obtain feedback and suggestions from the public.

He said the Finance Ministry had completed its focus group discussions on the issue of education, health, rural development, job opportunities and the youth.

"After this, I will go to Perak to hold a dialogue session there. The ministry has already been to Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Johor for feedback.

"We might not be able to go to all states because the 2023 Budget will be tabled on Feb 24. However, the dialogue session will be continued for the 2024 Budget," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876973/govt-mps-attending-retreat-discuss-development-allowance-cut