KUALA LUMPUR: A briefing session by the Parliamentary Services Council in the Dewan Rakyat turned heated today as government and opposition lawmakers clashed over the management of allocations for Members of Parliament.
The exchange began when Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) questioned whether all MPs were receiving fair treatment and proposed that the administration of their allocations be placed under Parliament.
Shahidan alleged that opposition MPs were not receiving the allocations and questioned why the executive continued to be involved in managing the funds.
He argued that allocations for government MPs should also be administered by Parliament to ensure equal treatment for all elected representatives.
His remarks drew objections from Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), who maintained that decisions on the allocations fell under the executive’s authority.
“Do not confuse legislative powers with executive powers. The allocations fall under the executive, and the Prime Minister can decide who receives them,” Chong said.
He also accused Shahidan of misunderstanding the distinction between Parliament’s rights and its powers.
The verbal exchange continued as both MPs repeatedly interrupted each other, prompting Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to ask them to take their seats.
Johari said Parliament had been granted the authority to manage its own affairs independently of executive interference, urging lawmakers to allow the newly established council to deliberate on the matter.
“It is unfortunate that, just as we have said, Parliament has now been given the power to govern itself without interference from the executive,” he said.
He added that the Parliamentary Services Council was newly established and should be given time to discuss the issue.
Johari also noted that two opposition representatives were involved in the discussions and assured lawmakers that he would listen to both sides and ensure fairness.
“As the chairman, I will hear both sides and be fair to everyone,” he said.
-AWANI
