KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators still carry out their duties as representatives of the people even though Parliament is not convening, therefore their salaries and allowances should be paid, said Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.
Rais said the MPs and senators continue to perform their duties outside of Parliament, such as meeting the people to channel government assistance, therefore it was not appropriate to cut their salaries or allowances unless they volunteered to do so.
He said this when appearing as a guest on Ruang Bicara Programme produced by Bernama TV last night.
Rais was responding to a question raised by a caller on the need to cut the salaries and allowances of the MPs and senators as Parliament is currently not convening.
On Jan 12, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had agreed to proclaim a State of Emergency nationwide until Aug 1 to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
However, recently, Istana Negara in a statement stated that Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed the view that Parliament could convene during the Emergency period on a date deemed appropriate by His Majesty on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Rais also disproved the perception that Dewan Negara was just a ‘rubber stamp’ institution that only passes laws approved by Dewan Rakyat adding that it had rejected several laws such as the Pesticides Act 2004 and the Anti-Fake News Act in 2018.
“If the Senate does not approve of Acts under Article 66 and others, then there will be chaos and there are no laws in the country. That perception needs to be corrected. Together with my friends, we will try to restore the image at the national and international arena,” he said.
Another panel member, constitutional expert Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Abd Aziz said the Dewan Negara represents the interests of the various states in Malaysia.
"Two Senate members are appointed from among the state assemblymen of each state to take care of its welfare issues.
"They also protect the groups not represented by the Dewan Rakyat such as the Orang Asli and the Sabah and Sarawak ethnic groups whose representative did not win or contest in the election," she said.
She further added that it is not right to question the function of the Dewan Negara and all this while people of this country have not been exposed to the importance of the sessions.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Mar 11 2021
Rais (2nd right) and Shamrahayu (right) appeared as guests on Ruang Bicara Programme produced by Bernama TV last night. --fotoBERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.