Minister Teixeira clarifies Opposition Leader benefits amid misleading claims

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira on Wednesday outlined the legal benefits afforded to the Leader of the Opposition, responding to what she described as misleading claims by Azruddin Mohamed regarding the office’s entitlements.
Speaking in Parliament, Teixeira said the benefits of the Leader of the Opposition are set by law and differ from those of former presidents. While former presidents are entitled to security, vehicles, and other privileges, the Opposition Leader receives allowances and benefits equivalent to those of a government minister.
“Mr. Mohamed receives the salary, benefits, and allowances of a minister, which includes security at his office as designated,” Teixeira said. She added that the Leader of the Opposition is not entitled to personal security at home, nor to state-provided vehicles or staff, and that duty-free concessions apply only as a parliamentarian, not specifically to the office of the Opposition Leader.
Teixeira also addressed reports that Mohamed would not take a salary, saying he is receiving his parliamentary remuneration, which is being collected by a party member due to his lack of a personal bank account.
“These clarifications are necessary because Mr. Mohamed appears to have a vision of his entitlements that exceeds what is provided by law,” she said, urging him to familiarise himself with the legal framework governing parliamentary benefits.