KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ministerial-level benefits and facilities offered by the government will not stop him from questioning the administration.
Thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for making improvements to the Parliament including functions of the opposition leader, he said he could not accept some of them.
Instead, Anwar said he would channel them to the poor and needy.
"Among the perks offered included an office at the Parliament and additional staff to handle all the work, but I've chosen not to take up the offer," he said on his official Facebook page.
He enclosed a list of the perks which he had declined to accept:
1. RM 14,907.20 per month for monthly salary
2. RM 12,320.00 per month for entertainment allowance
3. RM 1,500.00 per month for special payment
3. RM 4,000.00 per month for housing allowance
4. RM 833.00 per month for house maintenance allowance
5. RM 6,000.00 for warm clothing allowance (once every 3 years)
6. RM 1,500.00 for formal dress allowance (once every 3 years)
7. RM 1,500.00 for 'black tie' clothing payment allowance (once every 3 years)
8. An official car as well as the use of a personal vehicle for official duties
"These are some of the perks and facilities accorded to a minister, which I could not accept.
"I have also instructed the Parliament staff not to make any renovations to my existing office.
"Meanwhile, the additional allowances and funds allocated for the ministerial post shall be channelled to the poor people's fund.
"As stated by the prime minister in the letter to me, this decision does not affect my role as the opposition leader," said Anwar.
He also pledged to continue to carry out his duties as usual, without diverting from his objective to uphold democracy.
Anwar also said that he would continue to be vocal and be an advocate for democracy through check and balance.