KUCHING: Despite the reduction in the parliamentarian’s development allocation, the Bandar Kuching constituency service centre will continue to ensure that its constituents will benefit from programmes or initiatives that are intended to be carried out, said its Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Kelvin Yii.
He assured the people that his office would make the best use of the available resources.
“We recently found out that our constituency development allocation had been reduced by up to 60 per cent.
“This is, of course, the reason given due to the challenging economic situation in the country and the world, and these are some austerity measures taken by the government,” he said when met by reporters after attending the Pertubuhan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Sentuhan Kasih Kuching Chinese New Year dinner at the Penview Hotel here last night (Feb 3).
While understanding that it is important to be responsible for the resources, he said that such reductions may affect the different programme initiatives that are planned to be implemented.
“This is especially true when it is a concern to help, provide for the welfare, and also empower the different communities in our constituency.
“I think it is during this time that they need the most support and help, especially in tough times, and so either way, regardless of whatever resources are available, my office will be as resourceful as possible, and we will try our best to serve the people the best that we can.
“Therefore, I sincerely hope that the federal Cabinet would reconsider its decision because, at the end of the day, every single cent that comes to the office goes back to our people,” he said.
According to Dr Yii, the MP allocation was originally about RM4 million; however, with the reduction, it will now only be RM1.3 million.
“There is a significant reduction. Again, we hope that this is just the initial allocation and that the amount will eventually be increased,” he said.
