SHAH ALAM, Nov 25 ― Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh questioned today Barisan Nasional’s (BN) reason for rejecting the state’s RM200,000 annual allocation offer to each assemblyman, saying it made no sense for them to snub funds meant for their respective constituencies.
Yeoh asked if the state’s 12 BN representatives are receiving funds from the federal government and therefore do not need allocations from the Selangor government.
“As a state assemblyman if I have not money, and I am given RM100,000 I will take (it).
“If you reject it maybe it is because you have money. That's why you don't need RM200,000,” the Subang Jaya state lawmaker told reporters at a news conference here.
“If the (allocation) benefits the people, why would you reject it?” she asked.
All 12 Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen today rejected the state government's offer an annual allocation of RM200,000, and are insisting that the amount be streamlined across the board for all lawmakers regardless of political affiliation.
Yesterday it was announced that Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) assemblymen, will each receive an allocation of RM700,000, an increase of RM100,000 given by the previous state administration under Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
Selangor BN opposition leader Datuk Shamsudin Lias said this was “unfair” as state coordinators in all the 12 BN state constituencies will receive RM500,000 while BN state lawmakers will be getting much less.
Yesterday Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said all BN state lawmakers will each receive annual allocations of RM200,000 beginning next year ― the first such financial aid to be given to opposition lawmakers in state history.
The Selangor mentri besar said this is to increase the efficiency of state assemblymen, and that it is also in line with the spirit of democracy.
In addition to the allocation to BN assemblymen, Selangor BN opposition leader Shamsudin has also been given an official car and driver.
The state government will also bear the fuel costs and fees of the driver as well as working secretary for Shamsuddin ― totalling to RM100, 428.88 a year.
