THE appointments of Residents’ Community Council (MPP) members in federal constituencies held by Pakatan Harapan MPs should not be stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order, opposition lawmakers said.

Members of the MPP, which were appointed by the Federal Territories minister, have been providing assistance to needy constituents during the Covid-19 outbreak, and revoking their appointments at a crucial time is playing politics instead of putting the people’s welfare first, they said.

“We were informed today that the services of all MPP members in our constituencies have been halted effected March 23.

“This action, taken during a time when Malaysia is fighting Covid-19 under a movement control order, is unjustified and cruel.

“MPP members have been serving constituents regardless of their race, religion and political leanings. Residents in these constituencies have already built a working relationship with them and have been depending on them for help.” 

Ten PH federal lawmakers signed the statement. They are: Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), Hannah Yeoh (Segambut), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Dr Tan Yee Kew (Wangsa Maju), P. Prabakaran (Batu), Lim Lip Eng (Kepong), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang) and Rozman Ismail (Labuan).

The MPP members were appointed in January 2019 by then Federal Territories minister Khalid Samad, and worked with the MP of each constituency to execute programmes.

“At this time, they have been working to execute several welfare programmes for constituents. The sudden change in MPP members will result in delays in getting aid to them and put the poor at risk.

“We urge current Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa to put the people first and revoke the termination of their appointments,” the PH MPs said.

In the midst of MCO, FT Minister @AnnuarMusa terminates services of existing resident committee members (MPP) all over KL when many of them are busy assisting with delivery of groceries. In the midst of the MCO he wants a handover. No better time to play politics? @fahmi_fadzil

— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) March 26, 2020

Yeoh also tweeted that MPP members had been busy assisting residents with the delivery of groceries during the MCO, which restricts people from leaving their homes.

“In the midst of the MCO, he (Annuar) wants a handover. No better time to play politics?” the Segambut MP tweeted. – March 26, 2020.