Kuching: The Sarawak state government’s decision to increase allowances for councillors and community leaders next year has drawn sharp criticism, with DAPSY Sarawak Treasurer Wong King Yii expressing concern that while fair compensation for public service is essential, the allowance hike highlights a deeper problem: the lack of accountability in appointed local councils.
“Many residents do not even know who their councillor is. This is a clear indication that these leaders are not sufficiently engaged with the communities they are supposed to serve,” Wong said in a statement.
His remarks came after the announcement by the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who said that the Special Monthly Allowance for 864 councillors serving in 27 Local Authorities across Sarawak will be increased from RM300 to RM1,000.
Abang Johari added that this also includes an additional medical benefit of RM1,000 per year for basic treatment at government-recognised private hospitals or clinics.
“The new allowance and medical benefit rates will have an additional financial implication of RM8.1 million per year and will take effect from 1 January 2026,” he said while presenting the 2026 Supply Bill 2025 during the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly here on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier also announced that more than 7,700 Community and Ethnic Leaders (KMKK), including Temenggong, Pemanca, Penghulu, and Ketua Kaum, will receive a monthly increase of RM400, involving an additional allocation of RM37 million per year, effective 1 January 2026.
Wong noted that councillors often fail to respond when residents face problems, and many are only visible at ceremonial events or media functions designed to gain recognition rather than deliver meaningful results.
“This lack of visibility and accountability raises serious questions about the prudence of allocating an extra RM37 million for allowances,” he added.
Wong stressed that the root of the problem lies in the fact that councillors are appointed, not elected.
“Without elections, there is little incentive for officials to actively engage with the public, solve local problems, or report their work.
“The RM37 million additional in allowances cannot compensate for the absence of meaningful representation. Citizens deserve leaders who are visible, accessible, and answerable—not appointed officials whose performance is largely unmonitored,” he said.
Wong said reinstating local council elections is essential to ensure that councillors genuinely serve their communities.
“Elected representatives are directly accountable to voters, and those who genuinely work for the welfare of residents will naturally earn their positions and justify their compensation,” he said.
Wong also emphasised that many Sarawak communities continue to face unresolved infrastructure issues, rising living costs, and gaps in basic services.
He urged the government to prioritise democratic accountability over unconditional pay increases.
“If the government truly wants to strengthen grassroots leadership and restore public confidence, it must prioritise democratic reform, transparency, and accountability,” Wong said.
He concluded that the future of local governance in Sarawak depends not on higher allowances but on giving the people the power to choose their own representatives.
