KUCHING: Santubong MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic) supports a proposal by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) information chief, Datuk Idris Buang for the state government to review councilors’ allowances.
“Only with an upward review of the allowances of councilors can we demand more from them (councilors),” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted yesterday.
He was commenting on a suggestion by Idris for the state government to review the RM300 allowances paid to councilors to between RM1,500 and RM3,000 a month.
“The roles of councilors are very heavy and multi-faceted, some are chairing several committees set up to manage our towns and cities”, he stressed.
Wan Junaidi pointed out that an appropriate allowance structure must be established to reflect their roles.
“The cities and towns will be better run and the people can expect to be professionally served by their councilors.”
Wan Junaidi explained that generally, councilors were chosen from among grassroots leaders in politics, community or civil service pensioners who showed interest in serving the people.
“Some of them served years in politics, social works, grassroots’ leadership tirelessly without getting anything in return.
“Of course, the quantum of allowances must commensurate with their task, capability and expectations”, added Wan Junaidi.