Arguably one of the most talked-about manifesto promises from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s tenure so far has been his vow to reduce government expenditure as much as possible, in a bid to channel the savings towards ordinary Malaysians who are struggling to stay afloat amidst skyrocketing cost of living and an impending recession.
Anwar’s Cabinet ministers to all receive 20% pay cut until economy recovers
Chief among these initiatives includes the streamlining of the size of his Cabinet, which now consists of 28 ministers including himself, and of course a reduction of their salaries by 20%. As reported by local news outlet Free Malaysia Today, the decision has since been agreed by all ministers under Anwar’s administration, with the pay cut expected to last until the state of the Malaysian economy recovers.
“If (the economy) recovers in three years’ time, we will review (this policy) then. I thank (the ministers) for their willingness to make some sacrifices.” he said.
He hopes that this move will show his government’s concern for the plight of everyday citizens, adding that he will also not be accepting his salary as Finance Minister either after assuming the portfolio himself, contrary to initial speculation.
Echoing that sentiment, incumbent digital communications minister Fahmi Fadzil had previously taken up a similar promise of refusing any salary and allowance, should Pakatan Harapan seize a decisive win in Putrajaya.
The reduction of ministerial salaries comes after Anwar announced that moving forwards, no government procurements can be made without having first gone through a tender process in a bid to stamp out leakages and corruption from within public departments, reports local newspaper The Star.
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