GEORGE TOWN: There are various avenues for Opposition assemblymen to get funding if needed for their constituencies, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister said that while there were no plans to increase the funds to representatives from the other side, state government departments, agencies and subsidiaries can be approached, if needed, for funding.
"All allocations required for the benefit of the people, regardless of whether they are state government or Opposition areas, have been coordinated in an integrated manner.
"As representatives of the people, all assemblymen can highlight the problems or requests of their people to the state government departments and agencies that are always ready to help.
"They practice the 'no wrong door' policy," he said during the 15th Penang assembly sitting held at its building in Light Street on Monday (Nov 25).
Chow was responding to a written question by Zulkefli Bakar (PN-Penanti) who asked if the Opposition representatives' allocations would be increased.
Chow said that for 2024, the state government has allocated RM60,000 to the Opposition assemblymen and the amount will be maintained for 2025.
"The state government does not intend to increase the allocation to the Opposition assemblymen since the state government has appointed coordinating officers in those areas.
"For 2024, the state government has allocated RM500,000 to the state government assemblymen and RM100,000 to the state coordinating officers," he said.
Zulkefli then asked Chow if there was a possibility to raise the allowance of assemblymen so that the extra money can be channeled towards the people.
Chow said this is something that is studied every 10 to 15 years.
"The last time it was studied was around 10 or so years ago, so maybe it is time it is reviewed if there is a need.
"We are all patiently waiting with the Opposition assemblymen for Parliament to decide.
"In the meantime, there are other means for allocation as mentioned through the government departments and agencies as it does not differentiate us.
"All of us are included whether backbenchers or not," he said.
Raising the question of fairness among all state assemblymen, Azmi Alang (PN-Telok Ayer Tawar) asked Chow why the state government was withholding the provision and if it was not considered cruel to do so.
Chow said that, as the only remaining assemblyman from the 1990s, it was better now than the practice of zero allocations given to Opposition assemblymen during the time of the previous administration before 2008.
"They were also cruel back then and they did not give us a single cent.
"When we took over the state government in 2008, we channeled a little allocation to the Opposition.
"If we make the allocation the same for all, then our supporters will question us.
"So it has to be a little different but there are many avenues that you can apply to, to get allocations based on the needs of the people in your constituencies," he said.
