Legislators' pay criticized

SURABAYA: Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a presidential expert staff member, questioned the planned payment of Rp 77 million each for members of the East Java provincial legislative council, saying it was too much and irrational.

"We should bear in mind that many people suffer from malnutrition or have been rendered jobless ...," she was quoted by Antara as saying here on Tuesday.

The legislative council has requested the provincial administration provide its members Rp 77 million each for the termination of their jobs three years ahead of schedule. The government has offered Rp 10 million for each member.(edt)