PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid has declared support for the Prime Minister’s economic policies in exchange for extra constituency funds.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain of the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, however, stressed that he remains loyal to his party, Bersatu. He said he made the decision because he wants to help his constituents who are burdened by the rising cost of living and also see if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will uphold his pledge when it comes to extra allocations for opposition lawmakers.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain claimed that Anwar had said that extra funds would be channelled to opposition lawmakers who supported the unity government’s policies.
“I believe that the economy must be improved for the country to prosper and for the well-being of the people. Therefore, I will support efforts by the Prime Minister to strengthen the national economy,” he said in a statement sent to The Star.
Last month in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar told the opposition parties to hold proper discussions with the government to seek extra allocations instead of simply demanding these funds.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain said he remains loyal to his party, Bersatu.
“I will never betray my party, Bersatu, in any circumstances. I uphold the principle of loyalty and faithfulness to the party,” he said.
Despite the risk of disciplinary action from his party, the lawmaker said he could no longer stand to see his constituencies left behind and neglected just because of political differences.
“Therefore, I make this decision to support the government’s initiatives that prioritise the people’s welfare until the next general election,” he said.
Iskandar Dzulkarnian, 46, won the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.