Lawmaker returns allowance to state

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Tue, 02/07/2006 10:33 AM

JAKARTA: Legislator Syaifullah Mahsum of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on Monday returned to the state Rp 50 million in allowances in a show of solidarity with the poor.

The lawmaker transferred the money to a government account at Bank Mandiri, saying it was improper for members of the House of Representatives to receive such generous allowances when ordinary Indonesians were suffering under soaring prices.

He said he would return next month's allowances to the state or donate the money to victims of natural disasters.

Legislators Jacobus Mayong Padang of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Ali Mochtar Ngabalin of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) earlier made similar gestures.

The House was widely criticized when it increased the allowances and benefits for lawmakers soon after the government raised fuel prices last year.-- JP

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