PENANG should study the British Short Money system and consider adopting a similar formula for allocating funds to opposition parties, says Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.
He said the system, which takes into account the number of parliamentary seats won by a party and the votes it receives, could serve as a reference for the state government in determining allocations for the opposition.
“Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy follows the Westminster system adopted from Britain, with some local adaptations,” Lee (PH-Kebun Bunga) said when debating the Penang Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
He noted that Britain distinguished between government backbenchers and opposition parties in its funding arrangements, suggesting that Penang could consider a similar approach.
However, he said the state government should also consider a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA), given the changing political landscape and the possibility of political coalitions shifting over time.
He said such an agreement could provide a platform for negotiations while ensuring government stability.
Lee urged the state government to carefully assess the mechanism before proceeding with any proposed enactment on equal allocations.
Turning to local issues, Lee thanked the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for its efforts in fulfilling several pledges in his 2023 state election manifesto, including the proposed Mount Erskine underpass and the upgrading of the Hill Trace hawker complex.
He said the RM33 million Mount Erskine underpass project is expected to ease severe traffic congestion at the junction connecting Jalan Mount Erskine, Jalan Gottlieb and Jalan Burma.
The project’s design is expected to be completed in December, with the tender process scheduled for February next year and construction expected to begin in July.
Lee said MBPP had revised the design to avoid road closures during construction, given the heavy traffic along the three roads.
On the Rifle Range flats, Lee urged the state government to increase maintenance funding for the nine blocks, which comprise 3,600 units and house about 15,000 residents.
He said the 60-year-old flats continue to face problems involving faulty lifts, damaged wiring and clogged pipes, while maintenance allocations channelled through the Penang State Housing Board have declined from RM1.8 million in 2023 to a projected RM1.1 million in 2027.
Lee also raised concerns over wildlife problems in the constituency, including roaming cattle, a rat infestation at the Rifle Range flats and increasingly serious encounters with wild monkeys.
He urged MBPP to take firmer action against livestock owners who allow cattle to roam on roads, particularly at night, posing risks to motorists.
Story by K.H. Ong