RECENTLY, PKR MP Wong Chen urged the government to raise lawmakers’ salaries, arguing their financial burdens extend beyond personal expenses to office costs.
He insists that political work requires substantial funding, with allowances covering operational needs rather than personal income, ensuring effective governance.
However, a Bersatu youth member opposes the idea of such an increase, arguing that it ignores the economic struggles of the people.
Rising costs, targeted subsidies, and unstable employment make wage hikes for MPs unjustifiable.
Critics also highlighted unequal parliamentary allocations, with opposition MPs receiving no financial support despite representing economically pressured communities. Reform efforts remain superficial.
The call for higher MP salaries has garnered significant attention on social media. Netizens are now unhappy with the political party linked to the MP.
A netizen even stated that school teachers, who have dedicated their whole lives to educating our youth, are not compensated as much.
The X user made a comparison, showing the salary differences between an MP and a teacher.
The user adds that it will take a teacher decades to earn RM16,000 a month, while an MP would immediately receive that once in parliament. He then asks, Who is the one that’s more devoted to the nation?
Some users agree with the statement that MP salaries are already high. They say the teachers have a lot of expenses too, and based on their current salaries, not much is left after deductions and payments.
Another user mentioned the fact that MPs get high pensions too, adding that such pensions should be eliminated to “save the country”.
Meanwhile, the post received a lot of comments defending the MPs for their ’24-hour’ services, which some say is more than sufficient to justify their high salaries.
A user alleges said the reality of life as an MP is costly. Every day, doors are knocked on, phones ring, and there’s always something needing money.
“If we can educate the public to reduce dependence on MPs, maybe their salaries can be lowered. Not defending them, just stating facts after mingling with them.”
One user had a sarcastic comment to make, saying anything is justified for MPs, even if they can get RM100,000 salary. —May 18, 2025
Main image: APHR
