Constituency Development Funds (CDFs), commonly known as “MP allocations” (Peruntukan Ahli Parlimen) or “ADUN allocations” (Peruntukan ADUN), were conceived as a mechanism for elected representatives to directly channel resources into their constituencies, as partial compensation for their limited influence over broader budgetary decisions (Baskin, 2010). In Malaysia, however, there remains a paucity of publicly available information on how these public funds are allocated, distributed, and utilised.

The paper provides an essential stocktake of CDF-related reporting practices and their limitations. It examines the current state of CDF reporting and public disclosure across different levels of governance, with a detailed case study of Selangor—the only state where some CDF-related information is publicly available.

Findings suggest that while CDF-related funds are accounted for within government systems, public disclosure is uneven, largely voluntary, and inconsistent across districts and representatives. In the Selangor case study, the limited available information nonetheless reveals disparities in utilisation rates, spending patterns, and compliance with reporting guidelines. The data is also focused on capturing activities, not their impacts on constituents, which is ultimately what matters.

The paper concludes with three priority areas for reform:

1. Making all detailed guidelines and circulars relating to CDF available and accessible to the public.
2. Creating a formal mandate that requires data on allocations, project-specific expenditures, and outcomes to be published in a usable format.
3. In the future, compliance should be supported by robust enforcement mechanisms that could potentially be linked to the disbursement of future funds.

Read the paper for key findings for current CDF reporting practices and practical recommendations on how greater transparency can ensure CDFs deliver real benefits to communities.