The government has approved an increase in allowances for the Parliament speaker, senate president and their deputies.

It has been 29 years since the last hike and will take effect from May 1 this year, according to a statute paper issued to MPs today.

malaysia parliament parlimen Notable increases include the speaker's and senate president's entertainment allowance, up from RM7,000 to RM9,860.

They will also receive a one-off RM10,000 payment upon appointment and RM10,000 upon retirement.

The deputies in both chambers likewise enjoy a hike in allowances, though not as high.

Other perks for the speaker and senate president include:

  • RM1,000 hike in monthly housing allowance from RM3,000 to RM4,000

  • Annual house maintenance allowance of RM10,000

  • Housing loan ceiling raised from RM480,000 to RM720,000

  • A one-off payment of RM5,000 for moving house

  • A hike in servants' allowance from RM2,000 to RM2,500

  • An increase from RM2,000 to RM3,000 to purchase a handphone plus accessories every three years

  • The maximum that can be claimed for official telephone charges is doubled from RM500 to RM1,000

  • A three-fold increase in 'warm clothing' allowance from RM2,000 to RM6,000

  • A hike from RM1,000 to RM1,500 for ceremonial attire every three years

  • Daily accommodation costs up from RM600 to RM2,000 for annual holidays abroad

  • Purchase of china dining sets for 50 people; the sets can be taken as a souvenir upon retirement

'MPs also need more'

DAP's Rasah MP Anthony Loke, who showed the statute paper to the media in the Parliament lobby, said the MPs don't have an issue with the hike in allowances, but noted that MPs too need more money to operate more efficiently.

anthony loke "We don't get much. Our allowances go to our staff, transportation and many other things," he said.

"We don't mind if we don't get an increase in our allowances. But it would really help if we can get systematic allowances, such as providing us an office with staff and at least one full-time researcher. This is to enhance our work as MPs."

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