Report on study of pay rise for MPs, senators out soon

SENATE The report on the study of the adjustment and increment of salary and allowance for members of Parliament (MPs) and senators is expected to be tabled next year, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahdidan Kassim said. 

He said the study had covered all aspects, including the economy and current situation. 

At present, the minister said the monthly salary and allowance received by the country’s lawmakers was RM6,000, which was deemed low compared to other countries. 

“In Cambodia and Thailand, for example, their MPs are receiving a monthly salary of up to US$4,000 (RM12,000). Even the lawmakers in Uganda receive approximately US$2,500 (RM7,000),” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2014 at the Dewan Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

Shahidan (left) said the increase of salary and allowance for MPs and senators at the national level should pave the way for similar increments at state level, instead of the other way around.

“It’s weird when a state government takes the lead in this matter. This is embarrassing,” said the minister who also described the situation as a violation of parliamentary ethics. 

Last month, the Selangor state assembly passed salary increments for its menteri besar, executive council members, state assembly speaker, deputy speaker and assemblypersons, effective Jan 1, 2014. 

The Penang state government had also proposed a salary increment for its assemblypersons from RM4,112.79 to RM6,000. 

- Bernama