Reconsider order to return allocations, PH reps urge NS govt
Reconsider order to return allocations, PH reps urge NS govt
Nilai assemblyman J Arul Kumar says the quarterly allocations have already been used for community needs, with some assemblymen spending their funds in full.
Nilai assemblyman J Arul Kumar said the assemblymen had already used the allocations for public welfare, with some spending their funds in full, Sinar Harian reported.
“When we received the allocations, we naturally channelled them to individuals and organisations such as schools, associations, Rukun Tetangga groups and village development and security committees.
“We did not use the funds for ourselves or for political purposes. Everything was used for community activities,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference at the Seremban MP’s office today.
Menteri besar Ismail Lasim said that 10 PH assemblymen and two constituency coordinators had been ordered to return allocations for July to September which were paid out a day before the state assembly was dissolved on June 5.
The 10 PH assemblymen and the coordinators for Labu and Paroi must return RM174,000 and RM150,000 respectively, while seven former PH executive councillors must return RM150,000 each.
Arul said it would be difficult to return the allocations, particularly given the large amounts involved.
The Nilai assemblyman also said that the allocations were disbursed quarterly rather than monthly.
“According to the menteri besar’s press conference yesterday, he asked us to return the allocations based on the months. But the allocations were disbursed quarterly.
“It was never stated that we had to use a specific amount each month. It was up to the individual assemblymen to manage the funds, as emergencies could arise that required more of the allocation to be used,” he said.
Arul said the PH assemblymen and the two coordinators had submitted financial reports to the menteri besar’s office up to June 30 as instructed, while any remaining allocations were returned before July 10.
He said this meant that the assemblymen were allowed to use the allocations from June 4 until June 30 based on the letter issued to them.
“So how are we supposed to return the money now? How can we return money that we have already spent on the people?
“Some recipients have even contacted us to ask whether they need to return the contributions they received,” he said.
Arul said he would meet Ismail for further clarification after receiving an official letter from the state government.
He also expressed hope that the state government would review the financial reports and documentation showing how the allocations were distributed.
“Most importantly, we used the money for the people, not for political purposes, and all the records have already been submitted to the menteri besar’s office,” he said.
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