Kuala Lumpur:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) signed between the Federal Government and opposition lawmakers, stating that such arrangements are not unusual and have been a practice of previous administrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that similar agreements were implemented when Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) were in power. He recalled a similar understanding during his tenure as opposition leader when Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was Prime Minister.

Anwar emphasized that the current CSA is not a new arrangement but a continuation of practices adopted by past administrations, including Bersatu, PAS, and BN. He reiterated that accusations of withholding allocations are unfounded, as the government has always maintained an understanding and approved allocations.

When asked about political analysts' views that the CSA could serve as a warning to Unity Government component parties against withdrawing support, Anwar described these views as political interpretations. He noted that such agreements are common in many democratic countries.

The Prime Minister confirmed that allocations for MPs under the CSA would be distributed According to federal budget being debated in Parliament. He added that the CSA would enhance political stability and facilitate the smooth functioning of the government, aiding in the effective implementation of national development initiatives, including Budget 2027.

The government recently signed the CSA at Parliament with six Bersatu MPs, led by party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and seven other MPs, including Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.