MELAKA: State representatives will enjoy a 33% hike in monthly allowances from January 2024, which will go up to RM12,000 from RM9,000 currently.
The Melaka State Assembly approved a Bill to amend the Members of the Administration and Members of the Legislative Assembly (Remuneration) (Amendment) Enactment here on Wednesday (Nov 29).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said assemblymen's remuneration was last reviewed in 2015, adding that they receive low remuneration, ranking 11th place out of 13 states in the country.
He said 10 states have increased remuneration for assembly members, adding that the Melaka state executive council agreed to approve the new remuneration on Nov 1.
He said the amendments made are to Section 3 to raise the fixed allowance for members of the assembly from RM9,000 to RM12,000, and Section 4 to raise the allowance for a Speaker appointed among assembly members from RM7,000 to RM11,000 and for a Speaker appointed from outside the assembly from RM8,000 to RM11,000.
Ab Rauf said both speaker positions will also receive the Members of the Legislative Assembly allowance of RM12,000, up from the current RM9,000.
Also presented was an amendment to Section 4A to raise the remuneration for the Deputy Speaker from RM3,000 to RM4,000; to Section (1)(a) to increase the remuneration granted to Chief Minister from RM15,000 to RM18,000; and to Section 6(1)(b) involving the remuneration provided to the state executive council meeting members from RM7,000 to RM8,000.
The state secretary, legal advisor and financial officer positions will also receive a hike from RM8,250 to RM9,250.
"I am also pleased to announce that this increase will also be extended to the 123 retired state assemblymen, whether they are receiving pensions or supplementary pensions," he said, adding that pension payment adjustments would be based on the years of service.
Ab Rauf said this pension remuneration increase involved an additional annual allocation of RM3,470.333.28.
He said the salary increase for 32 administration and state legislative assembly members still in service involves an additional allocation of RM1.284mil and RM2.186mil for those already retired.
Housing, local government, drainage, climate change and disaster management committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin (BN-Paya Rumput) supported the motion, while Melaka Opposition leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub (PN-Bemban) and Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar (BN-Rim) debated it.
It was later approved with the support of 26 assemblymen and two Opposition bloc representatives, while two assemblymen were absent. – Bernama
