Selangor opposition gets allowance for constituency work
For the first time ever, the Selangor state government will give an allowance to its opposition members for constituency work.
In tabling the state's 2015 budget, Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali proposed an annual allocation of RM200,000 each be given to all 12 opposition members, who are from Umno, as well as Azmin's predecessor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who is now the independent representative for Port Klang.
The allocation is for Program Mesra Rakyat, or people-friendly programmes, as part of the move to improve local representative services to the people.
Aside from Selangor, Penang also provides allocations of RM40,000 to each of its opposition members for small-scale development projects.
Later at a press conference, Azmin said the move would cost the state RM2.4 million annually.
"I hope the federal government will get a clear message from Penang and Selangor that we respect the role of opposition members in the assemblies. They should reciprocate and respect the roles of MPs at the federal level," he said.
The ruling Barisan Nasional government distributes around RM220 million a year in public funds to parliamentary constituencies, with each receiving RM1 million.
However, this is managed by BN representatives at Pakatan Rakyat-held federal seats.
At the same time, state opposition leader Mohd Shamsudin Lias was given a car, a Toyata Camry, for official use.
Azmin presented the car keys to the Umno's Sungai Burong representatives in a simple ceremony today.
The move will cost the state RM100,000 a year, including Mohd Shamsudin's fixed monthly allowance of RM3,000 as opposition leader, the salaries of his driver and secretary as well as fuel and toll costs.
While tabling the budget earlier, Azmin also proposed an increase in allocation for the state assemblymen by seven-fold, from RM100,000 to RM700,000 a year.
He also said the state would appoint a parliament coordinator with a yearly allocation of RM100,000.
Civil servants in the state can expect a bonus of 1.5 months.
"The bonus payments of one month have been paid in July this year. The next bonus payment will be made on December 18," he said. – November 24, 2014.
