I welcome and support in full the proposal by the Selangor State Assembly to pay back salaries to suspended reps following the decision of the Federal Court in my case against the Speaker of Parliament.
The House’s rights and privileges committee chairperson Hannah Yeoh today said such a proposal is being considered. It is certainly a step in the right direction.
The salaries of elected reps are provided for in law. Elected reps must carry on with their duties despite their suspensions. So work goes on for them outside the dewan and in particular in their respective constituencies. It is wrong therefore to deprive them of their salary.
As I have said before, many elected reps these days are full time politicians which mean they and their families depend wholly on their salaries. Taking away their salary not only cripples them financially personally but it has a very serious impact on their families as well.
I hope that Parliament will also consider reimbursing all MP’s which have been suspended without pay in the past.
My call extends to all elected representatives from all political sides as this is a matter of principle which must necessarily extend beyond politics.