No plans to raise allowances of councillors’ yet – Dr Penguang

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Datu Dr Penguang Manggil

KUCHING: The state government currently has no plans to raise the allowances of local council members due to financial constraints.

In stating this, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said the ministry has conducted a detailed review of the financial position of all three city councils, three municipal councils and 20 district councils throughout the state.

“We found that all councils, especially the district councils, do not have the financial capacity to accommodate for the increase of council members’ allowances. In fact, almost all councils in Sarawak are currently operating with a deficit budget.

“As such, the existing allowance rate must be maintained until the financial position of the council permits,” said Penguang in reply to a query by Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting this morning.

On the criteria of appointment for councillors, Penguang revealed that the appointment of councillors is made in accordance with Section 13 of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 (Cap 20) which sets the criteria on the appointment of councillors.

“Among them, are having experience in local government or excelling in any profession, business or industry as well as being capable of representing the interests of local communities in certain local authority areas,” he disclosed.

Penguang also pointed out that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in the near future has no plan to give fixed monthly allowance to councillors due to the financial condition that does not permit for it.