GEORGE TOWN: Lim Guan Eng has called on the Penang government to increase the allocation for government backbenchers to RM800,000 to match that provided to elected representatives in Selangor.
Currently, government backbenchers in Penang receive RM500,000 in development funds while opposition assemblymen receive RM60,000.
“Since the state is reported to be performing well financially, I don’t see any reason why the allocation for government representatives cannot be increased to provide more benefits to the rakyat,” the Air Putih assemblyman said, possibly alluding to reports that Penang’s economy grew by 13% last year.
Lim made this suggestion while debating the state’s 2024 supply bill.
“Plus, this increment is necessary as a sign of gratitude to Penangites for their undivided loyalty and support for the unity government,” the former chief minister added.
In the August state elections, the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity government won 29 of 40 seats contested.
Lim, who is also the Bagan MP, said Penang, being as developed as Selangor, should not be “losing” out in terms of constituency development funds.
“It is okay if we lose out to Selangor in terms of allowances and rewards given to elected representatives; let us not lose to them in terms of development allocations.” - FMT
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