May 4, 2005	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 24, 1426

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RAWALPINDI, May 3: Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Vice-President Syed Kabir Ali Wasti has criticized plans to allocate quota to National Assembly members for providing jobs. “This is a disastrous course as it will play havoc with merit and open the way for irregularities and corruption,” he cautioned in a press statement here on Tuesday.

The PML leader said allowing job quotas and development funds to elected members had been a major factor in undoing of political governments in the ‘90s. “It will do no good to the present government as well,” he warned.

He noted that instruments of patronage in the hands of legislators generated more repulsion and antipathy to the government because it deprived the deserving people of their due rights to employment and development.

Mr Wasti said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had taken a good but half-hearted step to cut the members’ development funds from Rs10 million to Rs5 million each. He should have abolished the scheme altogether to set healthy traditions, he added.

He also criticized the passage of a bill for linking the increase of law makers’ salaries and allowances with those of government servants. “The purpose of this law is obviously to take advantage of the proposed increase in the salaries of government employees in the coming budget as promised by the government.”

According to the ruling party leader, currently a member is costing the national exchequer about Rs130,000 and Rs150,000 a month. “While one would like to see our elected members get all possible perks and privileges, it is regrettable that they have not proved their worth to deserve it,” Mr Wasti observed.

“Our members do not attend the assembly sessions which is evident from the break in quorum almost on daily basis. Because of this lack of interest, no worthwhile debate takes place in the house on legislative measures. “Under the circumstances, there is no justification in increasing their allowances and privileges,” he added.

He urged the prime minister to reject the latest proposal to allow job quota to members of representative institutions.