Anwar’s cabinet members agree to take 20% pay cut, until Malaysia’s economy recovers

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that his cabinet members have agreed to take a 20 per cent monthly pay cut until the economy recovers.

Speaking at a press conference after a special Cabinet meeting today (5 Dec), Anwar said his Cabinet agreed that this was to show the government’s concern for the plight of the people.

The newly announced Cabinet, which consists of 28 ministers, held a meeting this morning to discuss the government’s new rules, direction, wastage and bribery prevention, etc.

Anwar added that while it is inappropriate to slash salaries, he appreciates his fellow Cabinet ministers’ willingness to make the sacrifice.

The reduction of the Cabinet’s salaries will continue until the economy has fully recovered, after which the pay cut will be reviewed.

Anwar was accompanied by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof during the press conference.

Anwar had earlier said he would not take his PM’s salary in solidarity with the people who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, further explained that it is not true that some people say while he is not taking the PM’s salary, he is still able to receive the salary of the Finance Minister.

“It is not true. There is only one salary.”

In July 2020, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) declared that the 8th Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received a monthly income of RM93,841.65 (US$21,066).

During Muhyiddin’s Perikatan National(PN) government term, the top 10 earners in his cabinet received monthly income ranging from RM64,087.41 to RM87,877.20.

Anwar Says He Will Not Interfere With Zahid Hamidi’s Court Case

Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that he would not interfere with court cases involving Zahid Hamidi.

“He has been charged but not sentenced. We must respect the process,” Anwar said, noting that Zahid has yet to be found guilty of the criminal charges.

“He (Ahmad Zahid) happens to be the UMNO president and Barisan National(BN) chairman. I take all those factors into account in this unity government, ” he added.

Zahid’s appointment as one of the two Deputy Prime Ministers in Anwar’s Cabinet was criticised by Malaysians as the latter still has an ongoing trial involving 47 corruption-related charges.

But Anwar defended the appointment and said, “So far as we are concerned, I trust and confident that my cabinet team is determined to ensure that we follow the strict rules as well as good governance.”

Serious Lapses In The Alleged RM600bil Expenditure During Muhyiddin’s Term

Anwar Ibrahim has claimed several serious lapses in the alleged RM600bil expenditure under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s term as Prime Minister.

“There have been several serious (procedural breaches) involving a huge amount and a few projects, whereby the mark-ups were too high and handed over to specific parties. This has resulted in excessive spending in those parties.”

He said he would refer this to the relevant departments to assess the issue, as there had been no discussion yet on whether or not a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) was required to investigate the matter.

Muhyiddin Yassin, the 8th Malaysia PM, had denied the accusation, questioning where they derived the sum.

“I think it refers to the eight Economic Stimulus Packages worth RM530 billion that I implemented when I was prime minister to help the people and businesses affected during the pandemic period.”

He added that out of this total of RM530 billion, most of it is non-fiscal and does not involve government expenditure.

“It is impossible for me to misappropriate this money because it is individual or bank money that does not involve government spending, ” the Perikatan National (PN) chairman said.