SHAH ALAM, 14 Apr: Despite not being able to enjoy the new salary, as enjoyed by other Assemblymen, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim thinks that this is not a question of importance.

Abdul Khalid said he agreed with the salary cuts because he felt responsible for the increase decided in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session last November.

“We agree with the cut because we want to show the people that we are willing to cut our pay in the interest of the people,” he told reporters at the DNS lobby.

While reading the Supplementary Supply Bill, Abdul Khalid announced that a portion of the increased salary and allowance of the Chief Minister, Executive Councillors, Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be cut and contributed to the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda Fund.

Prior to this, the DNS approved the increase in salary and allowance of all 56 Assemblymen, and the Chief Minister will receive an increase of 51.54 percent, bringing his new salary to RM29,250.

However, with the first cuts being made in January, the Chief Minister only receives, RM14,175.15, his old salary, and is lower to the salary of the Exco members and the Speaker, who receives RM15,000 after the cut.

Although the salary cut however does not involve the salaries of Assemblymen, who will still receive their full salary of RM11,250, after being increased from RM6,000.