There are two camps in the debate over the pay hike for Selangor state assemblypersons - certain quarters are unable to accept the whopping leap of up to 373 percent, while others argue that this could help combat graft.

Despite the hefty increase, from RM6,000 to RM11,250 per month, it can be costly for a state assemblyperson to service his or her constitutents.

NONE The job scope of state assemblypersons, particularly in the Malaysian context, is not just about political articulation, but also attending funerals or wedding ceremonies, and being invited to open activities of various associations in their constituencies - all of which require cash contributions.

Official data shows that the basic salary and allowances for an assemblyperson before the salary adjustment came up to a total of RM8,000.

The present pay hike does not include allowances.

Parts of the expenses such as hiring aides and renting service centre are funded by the state government. The allocation breakdown before the adjustment is shown below:

  • Two aides' wages - RM1,500 per month each, without allowance and overtime claim;
  • One-off payment for service centre renovation - RM20,000;
  • Service centre monthly rental - in accordance to the premises' going rate; and,
  • Service centre administration monthly allowance - RM2,000

According to state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah's assistant Hiew Kim Boon, the state government allocated RM10,000 for engaging at least three personal assistants (PAs) after the May 5 general election.

"But for those who wish to hire more aides due to the heavy workload, the assemblypersons have to pay the wages using their own money," he told Malaysiakini .

Monetarily stung by position

Hiew said some aides received a monthly salary of only RM1,300, as the legislators operate on limited budgets.

Generally, experts suggested the Selangor government consult the public in matters concerning pay hikes, as well as establishing a proper system for institutionalised salary adjustments.

NONE Political scientist and Penang Institute fellow Wong Chin Huat ( left ) said the state government must now reveal its plans to improve and upgrade the administration following the pay rise.

"Put simply, I support the raise but we must see a better performing assembly, including specialised committees and longer session time," he said when contacted.

However, Wong regretted that the adjustment was apparently carried out without any public consultation.

"Certainly, I believe in better pay for electoral or politically appointed public office holders, but they must perform, and that includes local councillors, too," he added.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) civil rights committee chairperson Liau Kok Fah pointed out that there was no proper system to handle the elected representatives' pay issue at both the federal and state levels.

He described the salary adjustment without public consultation as "violating the rights of the bosses".

NONE "Before we talk about the increase rate (for salary), we should review who should be the one who decides on this.

"Commonly, it is the bosses who decide - and in this case the people are the bosses. The procedure is not right, the government should consult the people first," said Liau.

Asli's Centre of Public Policy Studies chairperson Ramon Navaratnam had described the increase as unduly excessive.

"They (state government) must show they are worthy of the salary, and the added value committed to the salary increase," he said when contacted.

He also suggested setting up a review committee, which could be made up by assemblypersons and public representatives to ensure that legislators were not overworked and underpaid.

Low pay for political aides

Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong's aide Law Teck Hao opined that without more resources, most assemblypersons can hardly hired experienced talent with higher academic qualifications, but only fresh graduates for their think tanks.

"Some say stomachs have to be filled in the democratic struggle... when it comes to parliamentary reform and professional political work, low pay does not help," he said.

Conceding his life was tough, Law said that his salary was not in accordance with his workload, working as he does almost seven days a week.

Hiew had revealed the lower salary for aides of BN legislators in Selangor before Pakatan took over in 2008, but yet they could afford luxurious cars.

He said he was puzzled upon seeing the BN's aides driving such cars as, for sure, they earned less than RM1,500 per month.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hafiz Abdul Razak, who serves state exco Iskandar Abdul Samad, said that some of his colleagues could not even pay instalments for houses and motorbikes on time.

"I'm just lucky as I earn side income by being a motivational speaker, but others have no idea on how to make extra money," he said. He has been an aide for almost four years.

Describing life as hard, he added that he could not afford to buy his own property so he and his wife stay in a rented a house.