By IRVIN MUYUMBWA
PATRIOTS for Economic Progress (PeP) president Sean Tembo has objected alleged intentions by members of Parliament to have their allowances, salaries and car loans increased.
According to media reports, it is alleged that MPs plan to push for 20 percent pay rise in sitting allowances and their car loans allocation also increased to about US$120, 000.
Mr Tembo said parliamentarians and those holding policy decision making positions should be the last to be considered for upward revision of their remuneration given the high cost of living incurred by common Zambians.
He said priority should instead be given to citizens because if these public officials are comfortable, they will not appreciate the economic hardships.
He said such a move should be suspended until the cost of living is reduced and remuneration for ordinary Zambians is revised upwards.
Meanwhile, governance expert McDonald Chipenzi said such a suggestion for an increment is untimely and insensitive to the economic hardship the country is facing which require prudent use of public resources and greater sacrifice from all.
Mr Chipenzi said there is no need to rush this increment, calling on President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane to thwart this rumoured move by parliament.
