Penang: The Penang government is unlikely to table a proposed enactment to ensure equal constituency development funds (CDF) for all state constituencies at the coming state legislative assembly sitting due to time constraints. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the draft of the proposed enactment, which was prepared by the state legal adviser, was presented at the state executive council meeting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow emphasized the need for thorough examination and stakeholder engagement before proceeding. He mentioned that these steps are necessary, making it unlikely that the enactment will be presented in the upcoming assembly session, as there are timelines to adhere to. This statement was made during the presentation of the Penang2030 Eighth-Year Report Card.

Chow's comments were in response to DAP's recent call for legislation guaranteeing equal development allocations for all state constituencies, regardless of the political affiliation of their elected representatives. On September 8, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) had resolved to urge the Penang government to introduce such legislation. Loke highlighted that equal CDF allocation should transcend political backgrounds and be adopted at both federal and state levels.

Currently, the Penang government allocates RM60,000 annually to each opposition assemblyman, while government assemblymen receive RM500,000. In August, Chow mentioned that the state government would wait for a decision from DAP's national leadership before moving forward with legislation on equal CDF allocations. He noted that Penang had been providing allocations to opposition representatives for many years, although they have frequently requested higher allocations during state assembly sittings.