GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government was questioned by an opposition assemblyman in the state assembly on why the former is being “cruel” towards the opposition representatives by depriving them of having equal amounts of allocations with their peers from the backbencher.
Azmi Alang (Telok Ayer Tawar-PN) said that equal allocation is the right of the voters, regardless of what political parties they choose.
The Bersatu lawmaker then went on to emphasise that if the state government is a caring one, then it should be providing equal allocations to all assemblymen.
“We, the 11 opposition representatives, do not pocket these funds to ourselves, and yet the money is parked in the Implementation Coordination Unit and in district offices.
“Why is the government being cruel towards us?,” asked Azmi in a supplementary question posed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (Padang Kota-PH).
Responding to Azmi, Chow said that he used to be an opposition assemblyman in the 90s where he pointed out that the “then state government” – which he alludes to then Barisan Nasional-led government – was “quite cruel and did not give a single cent” to then opposition assemblymen.
“But when we (Pakatan Rakyat) took over the government (in 2008), we gave some allocations to the opposition assemblymen.
“But even if equal allocations are given, our supporters would be asking us about why equal allocations are given here. Therefore, there needs to be “some difference,” said Chow.
Earlier, Chow said that the state government has no intention to increase the current allocations given to opposition assemblymen, which is RM 60,000 for this year. This is because the state government had already appointed constituency coordinators in opposition-held areas, where they are paid RM100,000 in monthly salary.
However, Chow said that funds meant for public benefits are allocated to federal government agencies in the state and through direct projects and programmes done by the state government and state-owned subsidiaries.
“This means that we don’t carry out projects based on whether the constituency is held by the opposition or the backbencher.
“Projects are carried out by government agencies based on their plans and (the constituencies’) needs,” said the chief minister in response to a question asked by Zulkefli Bakar (Penanti-PN) on whether there will be an increase in allocations given to opposition assemblymen.
Zulkefli, in response, pointed out that the RM60,000 allocations given are inadequate for opposition lawmakers to serve their constituents effectively and asked whether the state government would consider increasing salaries and allowances of all 40 assemblymen.
“This is so that we could have a bit more funds to help the community and our voters,” he added.
In response, Chow said that the review of the salaries and allowances is done once every 10 years, and since the last review was done nearly a decade ago, he said that “the time is ripe” for a review.
“If there is a pressing need for a review and if the Parliament decided to do a review, we (Penang) would consider it accordingly.
“The state government is waiting on it since when it comes to the issue of allowances and perks does not discriminate between the government and opposition,” he added. – November 25, 2024