MPs’ Allowances: A Breakdown of the Perks

Fixed Monthly Allowance

MPs receive a fixed monthly allowance of RM25,700, along with other claims for official duties, stated the Prime Minister’s Office today.

Claimable Allowances

In the statement, the PMO said MPs could claim:

• RM400 daily for attending a Parliament session
• RM300 per day for Public Accounts Committee and parliamentary committee meetings outside parliamentary sittings
• RM250 per day for PAC meetings when Parliament is in session
• RM100 daily allowance for official travel exceeding 32km

Overseas Duties

For overseas duties, MPs receive:

• RM340 per night for meals
• RM170 per day for living expenses
• Claims for accommodation, transport, and foreign exchange losses
• Tips are covered at 25% of the meal allowance

Controversy Surrounding Parliamentarians’ Earnings

The statement comes amid controversy over parliamentarians’ earnings, which was sparked by PAS MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s claim that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “misrepresented” their income.

Anwar had previously criticised the opposition for alleging financial hardship due to lack of government allocations, saying that MPs could earn up to RM40,000 a month.

He also criticised opposition leaders for claiming to be struggling financially, suggesting that if they were in debt, it could be due to personal expenses rather than a low salary.

Clarification on Allocations

In a Berita Harian report, Anwar said that without a memorandum of understanding for allocations, opposition-held constituencies still get funding – although it was channelled directly to the people or projects instead of going through MPs.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s Office has clarified the various allowances available to members of parliament, including daily allowances for attending sessions and overseas duties. The controversy surrounding parliamentarians’ earnings has led to a renewed focus on the issue, with the Prime Minister’s Office seeking to set the record straight on the matter.

FAQs

• What is the fixed monthly allowance for MPs?
• RM25,700
• What are the claimable allowances for MPs?
• RM400 daily for attending a Parliament session, RM300 per day for Public Accounts Committee and parliamentary committee meetings outside parliamentary sittings, RM250 per day for PAC meetings when Parliament is in session, RM100 daily allowance for official travel exceeding 32km
• What are the benefits for overseas duties?
• RM340 per night for meals, RM170 per day for living expenses, claims for accommodation, transport, and foreign exchange losses, with tips covered at 25% of the meal allowance
• Why is there controversy surrounding parliamentarians’ earnings?
• PAS MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s claim that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “misrepresented” their income, and the differing opinions on the matter, including criticism from Anwar himself
• How do opposition-held constituencies receive funding?
• Without a memorandum of understanding for allocations, opposition-held constituencies still get funding – although it is channelled directly to the people or projects instead of going through MPs