Penang Assembly Approves Deputy Speaker's Allowance Increase From 2027

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Penang State Legislative Assembly today passed the Administration Members and State Assemblymen (Remuneration) (Amendment) Enactment 2026 to increase the Deputy Speaker's allowance from Jan 1, 2027.

The amendment to subsection 4(b) of the Administration Members and State Assemblymen (Remuneration) Enactment 1980 raises the allowance from RM1,996.50 to RM6,500 and was approved by a majority voice vote without debate.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, when tabling the Bill, said the increase took into account the Deputy Speaker's responsibilities and important role in assisting with the conduct of Assembly sittings and ensuring orderly proceedings.

He said the review was also necessary to ensure that the allowance remained reasonable and relevant to current circumstances, while taking into account rates in other states.

"Penang's Deputy Speaker receives the lowest allowance at RM1,996.50, while the average allowance for Deputy Speakers in other states in Malaysia exceeds RM8,000," he said.

The State Legislative Assembly also passed the Supply Bill and Development Estimates Motion 2027 (2027 State Budget) through a voice vote after 29 assemblymen debated it since Monday.

Last Friday, Chow tabled the RM1.074 billion 2027 Budget, which projected a deficit of RM5.62 million, the lowest in the state's budget history compared with the projected deficit of RM19.92 million in 2026.

Themed ‘Merakyatkan Visi, Menempa Legasi’, the budget is anchored on five key components: driving a high-value economy; strengthening infrastructure and state resilience; developing talent and the potential of the younger generation; ensuring public well-being and harmony; and strengthening governance and fulfilling public trust.

The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began last Friday, saw 74 oral questions, 798 written questions, two motions and five Bills tabled.

Other Bills passed included the Penang Freedom of Information Enactment 2010 (Enactment 16) Amendment (Article 13(2)), the National Forestry (Amendment) (Adoption) Enactment 2026 and the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 (Enactment 14).

The two motions approved were the Motion to Amend and Update the Standing Orders of the Penang State Legislative Assembly and the Motion on the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates.

The sitting was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

-- BERNAMA