KL AGREES TO MATCH MRP FUND WITH FEDERAL GRANT

KUCHING, June 19, 2009: The federal government has agreed in principle to continue matching the state assemblymen’s minor rural project (MRP) fund with that of the federal’s grant.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said this when asked if MRP fund increase was among the topics discussed at the state Barisan Nasional (BN) meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a hotel here yesterday.

“The prime minister said he will consider such request which came from an assemblyman,” he said.

When pressed further, Johari said Najib has agreed in principle that the MRP match be continued.

State assemblymen are now receiving an MRP fund of RM275,000 each from the state and; should this figure be matched by the federal government, he or she would be receiving an MRP fund totalling RM550,000 yearly.

On another topic, Johari who is deputy president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Satok assemblyman said Najib has reminded BN elected representatives to go to the ground and be in touch with people’s need on a frequent basis.

“Such efforts are vital to let people know that the government cares and that they are not being sidelined. All YB’s should go to the ground more often but this also depends on the respective work load,” he said.