‘MPs should declare assets, interests, benefits’

MEMBERS of Parliament should declare their “assets, interests and benefits” following a proposed rise in their allowances, said Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad.

“With higher allowance, there must also be more responsibilities.

“We want lawmakers to declare not only their assets, but their interests and benefits as well.

“This includes going on overseas trips by invitation of foreign institutions from the private sector or government,” the Johor Baru MP told reporters at Parliament lobby.

He said the declaration could be done in a confidential manner and handed over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

“They can also take an integrity pledge as is done by the Sarawak government,” he added.

The Bill to increase allowance of lawmakers to RM11,000 from the present RM6,508.59 was withdrawn last November and is expected to be re-tabled this sitting.

The Bill also provided for Senate members to have their allowance raised from RM4,112.79 to RM7,000.

The monthly salaries of the Dewan Negara president and Dewan Rakyat Speaker may go up from RM14,907.20 to RM20,000.