Kelantan to increase allowance for state lawmakers, exco members

 

State assemblypersons and senior members in the Kelantan government will enjoy an allowance increment of between RM3,000 and RM5,000 per month, said Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Abdullah.

The increase in monthly allowance is meant to reduce the pay gap between the state's lawmakers and their counterparts from other states.

"In order to bridge the gap, so at least the difference is not so significant with those from other states. That's the reason we have this proposal to make an adjustment (on the allowance)," he said.

"While the (economic) situation has also become burdensome for the representatives, the increment in pay will actually go back to the people," said Amar who was quoted by Astro Awani today.

He likened the job of a state lawmaker to a "welfare officer" as many in the community need their attention and assistance.

It was last reported that the monthly remuneration of the state lawmakers increased from RM4,600 to RM8,000 in 2015.

At the time, the senior members of the administration, such as the menteri besar, deputy menteri besar, speaker, deputy speaker, state executive council members (excos) and deputy excos, also had their allowance increased from RM6,000 to RM10,000 a month.

Earlier today, the state government tabled its budget for 2021 with an estimated deficit of RM66.02 million, a 43 percent increase from the previous year’s estimated budget deficit of RM46.07 million. - Mkini