SHAH ALAM, 5 Dec: The increase in salary for members of the Selangor state government which is justified and appropriate in current situations may draw the interest of young professionals to join politics seriously.
The Deputy President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), Mohd Shani Abdullah, said that the increase in salary presented by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, and agreed upon in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session is relevant and commensurate the responsibility and status as representatives of the people.
“I was surprised when I found that the Deputy Speaker received such a low allowance (RM3,327.50) compared to Members of State Legislative Assemblies (Assemblymen), which is RM6,000. So what is approved by the DNS is appropriate.
“Perhaps from the rate of increase, it shows a huge leap. But according to cost of living, rent and other necessities, it reflects that the rate approved is appropriate.
“It is also an objective to attract young professionals who are capable and talented in terms of leadership and management to offer themselves to serve in politics and reach the people,” he told Selangor Kini yesterday.
Mohd Shani said that the increase in salary with the new rates for the Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Executive Councillors and Assemblymen of Selangor should also not be made an issue because it gives a positive impact on the group, especially in prevention of abuse of power and corruption.
He said that one of the objectives of why the remuneration of public officials is not too low is to avoid them from being involved in matters that violate the country’s rules and laws.
“Abuse of power and corruption will happen if the government does not take serious measures in dealing with it through rules enforced.
“With an allowance of RM6,000 a month, it is a very low rate for professionals who have the ability to contribute to national development. The rate of remuneration should also commensurate with what they get it in public or private sector.
“If we compare it with Key Posts in the Public Sector (Jusa), Rm6,000 is almost half of Jusa’s salary. For the head of the state government, they must be financially free standing with a reasonable rate of income so that they can act without depending on others,” he said.
The recent DNS session approved a salary increase for the Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Executive Councillors and Assembly, effective January 1, 2014.
The new salary structure involves the following:
Chief Minister : From RM14,175.50 to RM29,250
Speaker : From RM5,109.29 to RM22,500
Deputy Speaker : From RM3,327.50 to RM15,750
Executive Councillors : From RM6,109.29 to RM20,250
Assemblymen : From RM6,000 to RM11,250
