Head of State to get housing allowance

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THE housing allowance for the Head of State under the Civil List (Amendment) Bill 2012 was passed during the second day of the state legislative assembly yesterday.

As the Head of State was provided with accommodation at the Astana, Housing Allowance was not provided for under the Civil List Ordinance 1963 (Revised 2000).

Since Dec 19 last year, the head of state had been staying in his own house at No.88 Sri Impian, Kampung Temenggong, Jalan Matang, Kuching.

The Astana will only be used for official functions and administration.

“The State of Head needs privacy as well as his own private house,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu when introducing the Civil List (Amendment) Bill 2012.

Jabu also said that since the head of state is staying in his own house, the government proposed that the housing allowance be made payable on the same basis that such privileges were made payable to members of the administration and the members of the civil service.

Under the bill, the Head of State will receive a monthly allowance of RM6,000 a month (RM72,000 annually) for the up-keeping and maintenance of his house.

The bill was also supported by Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BNPantai Damai), Abu Seman Jahwie (BN-Jemoreng) and Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa).