KUCHING: The announcement to increase the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting allowance has been applauded by Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
According to him, the rate should be reviewed after not having been done for decades.
“However, the rate of the increase should be determined by the DUN, Premier, or the Cabinet accordingly as there are various aspects that needed to be evaluated,” he said on today.
He emphasised that such an allowance should not be the main reason to measure their level of commitment and responsibility as elected representatives in carrying out their duties in the August House.
“That is why, whatever rate of allowance is determined, I am confident that every elected representative will always give high commitment in every sitting.”
Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad had raised the issue in his winding-up speech yesterday (May 26).
He argued that the allowance of RM50 per day had been constant since 42 years ago.
For this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed in principle to increase the attendance allowance or sitting allowance.
