KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Some senators today proposed that the government increase their salary, allowances and allocations for them to serve the people more effectively.
Senator Datuk Akbar Ali said senators received smaller allocations from the members of parliament as the senators were not allocated a constituency unlike the assemblymen and MPs.
“But our area is bigger, it’s a whole state, whole of Malaysia. So, I suggest our salary, allowances and allocations be increased.
“With the increase, I believe we will be able to carry out our tasks and responsibilities more efficiently, in line with the emphasis on making people the priority as contained in the 1 Malaysia concept,” he said when debating the Enforcement Agency Integrity Bill 2009 in the Dewan Negara today.
Akbar said currently, the salary and allowances for senators were at par with Grade 54 in the public sector, and he also asked that the allocation be RM200,000 annually and not for three years.
“We are the lawmakers, but our salary is below that of Jusa C. What's wrong with allocating each of us RM200,000 a year to facilitate our implementation of the “people first” concept?”, he said.
Senator Tan Sri Jins Shamsudin interjected Akbar's debate speech, saying that the allocation given to the senators was insufficient as they too served the people.
“I often speak at ceramah and there people approach me for donations. I contribute from my allocation. I finished all of last year's allocation as that's my contribution as a member of the Dewan Negara (Senate).
“If the allocation is finished before the year ends, we should be able to ask for an additional allocation as it's not for us but for the people,” he said.
Akbar said the insufficient allowances and allocations could result in senators looking for other means to raise funds and this could result in conflict of interest or even wrongdoing, thus tarnishing the integrity of the Senate.
The Dewan Negara sitting continues tomorrow. – Bernama
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