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Legislators accuse media of distorting 123pc increase

HONGKONG'S legislators yesterday voted themselves a whopping 123 per cent increase in allowances - and then accused the Government and media of making the public believe they were lining their own pockets.

The Government had not explained the necessity of the $40,300 increase, while press and television had omitted crucial information that the allowances were only obtainable on a reimbursement basis, they claimed.

Finance Committee members approved the controversial move to up monthly allowances from $32,700 to $73,000, saying they would not refuse a right and necessary increase just because of public anger.

Some independent members, including Mr Hui Yin-fat, Mr Tam Yiu-chung and Mr Eric Li Ka-cheung, did suggested the proposal be deferred until an independent commission could rule whether an increase was appropriate.

But Legco's two major factions, the Liberal Party and United Democrats of Hongkong, would not accept this. Instead, they urged the Government to set up the independent commission as soon as possible to recommend on further increases in salaries and allowances.

Liberal Party member Mrs Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said the Government had shrugged off its responsibility to fully explain the case to the public.

''It is an executive-led Government. It is its responsibility to fully explain why such an increase is necessary. After all, the paper is presented by the Government,'' she said.

''Now we have to come out and explain for ourselves. This put us in a very embarrassing position.'' Legislators were furious that officials said that their existing salaries, at $39,400, put them among the top 1.1 per cent of the territory's earners.

''Any government official in this chamber with an income lower than $39,400 please stand up,'' demanded independent legislator Mr Andrew Wong Wang-fat.

The media, according to members, had stirred up discontent by giving the impression that the proposal meant a lucrative salary increase.

''Many media reports said we have allowances of more than $100,000. The public has now mixed up our salary and allowances,'' said United Democrat Mr Yeung Sum.

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