The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) member, Juol Nhomngek, has raised concerns over a change in the payment plan for MPs and staff.
Under the new plan, each MP was supposed to receive $1,000, while the staff were to receive $100.
Nhomngek, the SPLM-IO representative for Cueibet County in Lakes State, stated that the payment approved by the Office of the President, began on Monday. However, the process was abruptly halted, and those who had already received their payments were instructed to return half of the money.
Nhomngek expressed disappointment, blaming the office of the clerk for halting the process. He emphasized that the approved payment followed repeated requests from MPs regarding their overdue medical allowances.
“Money was released from the Office of the President to be paid to MPs. The payment came on Monday, but as it was going on, the clerk gave an order and the payment was stopped,” Nhomngek said.
“After the payment was stopped, some of the MPs who had already received were told to return the money. In addition, those who did not receive were later told that they would be given half of the money that was received already. I heard later that those who received their money would have it deducted from their salaries. Who is causing all this confusion?”
The lawmaker described the move as corruption, accusing the parliament leadership of cheating the MPs who have long been raising complaints about their medical allowances.
Parliament Spokesperson Oliver Mori declined to clarify the issue, saying he had nothing to do with it.
Mori said the MPs should have gone to his office if they had any concerns.
“They should come to me in the office. The staff or MPs can share their issues with me but not with the press. If they have chosen to deal with the press, then I have nothing to do about it,” Mori said.