Home Web Specials When it pays to be an MP

When it pays to be an MP

It is time to review the incomes of elected representatives

Follow us on our Malay and English WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube channels.

The incomes that long-serving MPs and ministers have been enjoying all these years, as recently divulged by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, seem incompatible with the general idea that ordinary Malaysians have of salaries, gratuities, pensions and fringe benefits.

It is rather disturbing that this is an elephant in the room that has been around for a long time and left unchecked, while the financial benefits are savoured by these MPs and ministers.

That is why it makes sense for the Muar MP to suggest that a special committee be formed to review what looks like anomalous remunerations for MPs who profess to work for the people.

After all, these remunerations are derived from national coffers, mainly contributed by ordinary Malaysians who dutifully pay their taxes, directly or otherwise. Thus, it is to be expected that they will want to ascertain that their money is judiciously spent.

This concern is well placed, especially when national funds have plunged because of an economic slowdown – and extravagant spending by the government on things like the RM35.8m renovation of the prime minister’s official residence.

For starters, we are told that a cabinet member gets a monthly salary of about RM50,000. He or she is also entitled to a magnificent home in Putrajaya, a car, a driver, a licence plate worth thousands of ringgit, an approved permit to import luxury cars and a plot of land in Putrajaya.

This may explain why most ministers will not resign even when people urge them to step down for having committed, say, abuse of power or for underperforming to a ridiculous level. They will not resign even if they are dragged kicking and screaming as they are also mindful of other fringe benefits, such as meal and holiday allowances.

READ MORE:  Shame on MPs who 'ponteng'!

Syed Saddiq claimed that a married minister is entitled to holiday allowances of between RM100,000 and RM200,000. This may explain why some cabinet members prefer to fly to faraway lands to let their hair down.

Given the fat salaries they receive, surely the ministers can afford to pay for their meals and holidays – and not expect it to be at the taxpayers’ expense.

The extra goodies they receive can also be put to better use for the benefit of the needy in society. At the very least, these politicians should think of the vulnerable who have to struggle every day just to put food on their table. Financial aid is vital here.

Or, they should take note of those poor children who cannot afford to buy laptops, which are essential for online learning. Some of them are still waiting for the devices promised by the government a long time ago.

Gratuities for ministers who step down are another bone of contention. It will cost taxpayers heavily if gratuities are paid every time they step down.

Syed Saddiq rightly asked whether a minister gets a hefty gratuity more than once if he or she gets reappointed to a ministerial position. Multiple gratuities will burn a big hole in the public purse.

Then, there is the question of pensions. It appears that anyone who has served for a long time as an state assembly member, state executive councillor, MP, minister or senator will enjoy pensions for each of these positions. These multiple pensions could exceed RM100,000 a month, which is definitely more handsome than the sole meagre pension received by, say, a lowly paid clerk in a government department.

READ MORE:  Maverick politik, antara garis merah, prinsip dan kesetiaan - Hassan Karim

On this note, we welcome the government’s announcement that it would look into the pensions of civil servants to keep them above the poverty line.

However, this development will not necessarily placate the deep concern of Malaysians over the lopsided financial benefits enjoyed by elected representatives, particularly by ruling politicians.

Such financial discrepancies do a disservice to the idea of shared prosperity among the people, especially when the socioeconomic gap in the country has spread wider since Covid arrived on our shores. It is obviously unjust.

There is no better place than Parliament, where a sense of justice and propriety should prevail, to propose a review of the terms of elected representatives’ incomes. – The Malaysian Insight

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Support our work by making a donation. Tap to download the QR code below and scan this QR code from Gallery by using TnG e-wallet or most banking apps:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Santana
Santana
10 Oct 2021 1.57pm

Salaries, allowances, gratuity, pension and perks given to elected politicians should be made public and be transparent just like what our civil servants receive. It is paid from public fund, from the taxes collected by ordinary citizens. It is obscene for politicians to enjoy a luxury life at this point of time while majority of our citizens are facing challenging time to put food on the table. Elected politicians are suppose to serve the public and not be attracted by the pecuniary benefits which will be highly damaging to society.

Hjs
Hjs
9 Oct 2021 9.11am

Aliran needs money then this idiot SS can donate his MP fat salary to you. He does not help his constituent.

2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x