KUCHING, June 4: Sarawak cabinet ministers, elected members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), political secretaries will contribute two months worth of their salary and allowances, starting this month (June), to the Sarawak State Disaster Fund.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in a statement today, announced that the unanimous decision was achieved following the State Government Council Meeting (MMKN) chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The total contribution (from cabinet ministers, assemblymen and political secretaries) is estimated to be about RM3 million.
“This step shows the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government’s earnesty and continuous commitment in assisting the people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” CMO said.
The percentage of deductions of monthly salaries for cabinet ministers starting June are 30 per cent for Chief Minister, 25 per cent for Deputy Chief Ministers, 20 per cent for Ministers and DUN Speaker and 15 per cent for Assistant Ministers until they meet the commitment of two months worth of salary.
As for DUN members and political secretaries, their allowances will be cut 10 per cent and five per cent respectively, also starting this month until they meet the commitment of two months worth of salary.
The GPS government, CMO emphasised, will consider extending the contributions of cabinet ministers, DUN members and political secretaries to the Sarawak State Disaster Fund if the pandemic situation continues to persist.
In addition, the GPS government has also decided that the State Civil Service force will also contribute a portion of their fixed entertainment allowance (ITK) for two months (July and August) to the disaster fund.
“Nearly 7,000 civil servants including Local Government Authority and State Statutory Bodies will contribute about RM300,000 to the disaster fund,” CMO added.
The percentage of deductions from the ITK will be 50 per cent for those under Main Grade A/Special Grade A, 20 per cent for Main Grade B/Special Grade B, 10 per cent for Main Grade C/Special Grade C and five per cent for Grades 56-43.
For those in Grades 42 to 29, RM10 will be deducted from their public service fixed allowance (ITKA).
CMO pointed out that frontliners involved directly in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic will be exempted from the contributions.
“GPS government will also urge all State government-linked companies (GLCs) to join in this cause by contributing to the disaster fund as commitment and solidarity from all sectors in combating the pandemic.
“The GPS government will continue to give priority to ensure that the safety and welfare of the people are protected,” CMO reassured.
The GPS government will give continuous efforts with support from the Sarawak civil servants to face and overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, CMO reiterated.
It is hoped that the little contributions will be able to assist the government through various measures implemented to curb the Covid-19 in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
