IT seems that the people are once again confused in the recent decades under the guise of rhetoric such as “reformasi”, “keluarga Malaysia” and “madani” with the so-called support letters issued by four Bersatu MPs for the unity government and the prime minister.

Parliament was said to have made history with the constitutional amendments for the anti-party hopping law on July 28 last year, under the leadership of then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, where both Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH) were in support of the bill.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he and his cabinet are not responsible for the defections, but “welcomes the maturity” of these MPs.

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) recalls the Kita Boleh Manifesto 2022, whereby PH pledged that it “will provide equal constituency development funds for MPs regardless of party because they represent the interests of voters in their constituencies. This allocation must be relayed through parliament and not the Prime Minister’s Office”.

What has become of this pledge and the struggle of the parties in the unity government throughout their time in the opposition on the issue of equal allocation?

Is this new form of “defection” while pledging support for their own party the only way opposition MPs can get equal funds for the constituents?

The paradox of “being loyal to their political party” while voting in favour of bills proposed by the government against the wishes of their party will continue to be played out in the coming days, much to the chagrin of the people.

TI-M believes the nation’s elected representatives can do better and the nation deserves better. – November 21, 2023.

* Press statement by Transparency International Malaysia.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.