KUCHING, May 26: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has in principle agreed to increase the sitting allowance for the elected members attending Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sittings.
In a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari pointed out that it was appropriate to increase the allowance as the existing rate had been in effect for decades.
“The rate of increase will be assessed later. However, I agree in principle to increase the attendance allowance.
“In this regard, I call on all State assemblymen to continue their hard work in providing the best direction forward for Sarawak,” he urged when addressing the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers dinner gathering at a hotel here tonight.
Earlier in today’s DUN Sitting, Daro assemblyman Shafiee Ahmad had called for a review for the allowance rate of RM50 per day which has been imposed since 1980, 42 years ago.
The sitting allowance refers to the allowance given daily to each elected representative when attending the Sarawak DUN sitting.
Among those present at the gathering were Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Premier’s Office Datuk John Sikie Tayai and GPS chief whip Dato Ibrahim Baki. — DayakDaily
