Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said a salary of RM25,000 is insufficient for members of parliament (MPs)
Speaking to BFM earlier this month, Johari explained that a non-executive MP's basic salary is about RM16,000, with the remainder made up of various allowances.
Ministers, meanwhile, earn roughly RM15,000 more, bringing their total salary to around RM40,000.
However, he said the full amount is stretched to cover a wide range of professional and community expenses.
As a former MP for 15 years, Johari said the salary has to cover office costs, researchers, administrative staff, utilities, and aid for the community and constituents.
"It sounds big. I was 15 years an MP myself. It is not enough, actually. [It] looks big, but if you break it down, it's very, very thin," he explained.
Johari shared that MPs are frequently approached for financial assistance during personal crises, such as medical or hospital expenses
He noted that, depending on the size of a constituency, many people would queue at MPs' offices seeking help. Reflecting on his tenure as Sungai Petani MP, he pointed out that the constituency had about half a million residents.
When asked why such cases were not redirected to the welfare department, Johari said most MPs would not dare turn away people in need.
"[Do] you dare say that? You're an MP, elected by the people. You can't. I mean, you simply can't.
"I've seen people bring their babies and ask for formula… I know she came [two weeks ago]. Again, she came [to] see me. I can't be saying, 'No, no, I can't give you,' when the baby is around. These are the issues that we have. It's the reality of life," he said.
Addressing the RM2 million annual constituency allocation for government MPs, Johari stressed that the funds do not go into their personal accounts
He explained that the money is used for infrastructure and small projects within the constituency, such as upgrading intensive care units (ICUs) in hospitals, building bridges, or funding flood relief.
"It is allocated to you but not to your account. So, it sounds big [but] again, it's not your money.
"Your [money] is probably about RM16,000. And again, that RM16,000 is shared by many," he said.
Below is a short clip of the interview:
