The rise in real estate taxes in Selangor and Penang since 2008 was to cover the political expenses of PKR and DAP politicians in the two states, according to Sukarelawan Malaysia president Isham Jalil.

He said that according to data on MACC cases, there was an increase in the number of corruption cases in Selangor and Penang over the past 10 years due to the sudden rise in the tax revenue and expenditure of the state governments.

“The people are pressured to pay rising real estate taxes and house prices in Selangor and Penang as a result of the higher taxation,” he said in an interview with a news portal.

Isham said that when the state governments raised the real estate taxes all of a sudden, they also increased their (leaders’) salaries and allowances, so much so that the Selangor menteri besar’s salary is now higher than the prime minister’s.

“I feel the Selangor MB’s salary should be reduced, at least until after the basic problems have been resolved,” he said, citing water supply, refuse collection and affordable housing as the problems.

“The allowances of public servants in Selangor may be raised but the MB’s salary should be reduced to a more reasonable level. We want them to serve the people, not enrich themselves,” he said.

-- Bernama