By Irvin Muyumbwa
Patriots for Economic Progress 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 members of parliament 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 says 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.
Mr Tembo says priority should instead be given to citizens because if these public officials are comfortable, they will not appreciate the economic hardships.
He says 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 says such a suggestion for an increment is untimely and insensitive following the economic hardship the country is facing which require prudent use of public resources and greater sacrifice from all.
Mr Chipenzi says there is no need to rush this increment, calling on President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister of Finance, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane to thwart this rumoured move by parliament