Over the past few years, it’s safe to say that we Malaysians have been left with no choice but to endure some of the most tumultuous periods in the nation’s recent history. This includes experiencing an unprecedented global pandemic that saw the world coming to a shuddering stop in total lockdown, in addition to historically devastating floods as well as the general global economic downturn and rising inflation rates.
YDP Agong has not taken allowance since the Covid-19 pandemic
As such, many have been left with no choice but tighten their belts and find new ways of getting by in order to survive. Given that fact, it has since been revealed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had elected not to take any allowance since the beginning of the pandemic.
As reported by local news portal Free Malaysia Today, both the Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong are entitled to allowances as enshrined by the Istana Negara (Royal Allowances) Act 1982. However, Anwar stressed that His Majesty had already stopped drawing on his allowance since even before his appointment to the role of Prime Minister.
“The King has not taken his royal allowance from the government since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“(And) I should explain that (not taking the royal allowance) is the King’s contribution, given the current economic situation that oppresses the people,” he said.
Instead, the funds were channeled towards donations, with the hope of being able to ease the hardships faced by everyday Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the closure of many businesses and unemployment.
Similarly, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself had also vowed to not draw any allowance from his role as Prime Minister and Finance Minister until the nation’s economy witnesses a turnaround. His Cabinet ministers have also all agreed to a 20% pay cut across the board since their appointment.
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