PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 — The new Cabinet has agreed to cut the monthly salary of ministers by 20 per cent, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this decision reflected the Cabinet members’ concern for the problems faced by the people now.
Anwar said the salary cut would remain in effect until the country’s economy had recovered.
“If the economy recovers in three years’ time, we will review … this salary cut is appropriate, but I would like to thank them (ministers) for their willingness to make a bit of sacrifice.
“Some people say Anwar is willing to forgo the Prime Minister’s salary because he is getting the Finance Minister’s pay. That is not correct … there is only one salary,” he said in a press conference after chairing the first special Cabinet meeting of the Unity Government here today.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
On criticism by certain quarters on his Cabinet line-up, Anwar said he believes and trusts that his Cabinet team is determined to ensure they follow strict rules and the principle of good governance.
“We are determined; I made it very clear and the ministers are very clear. On the issue of good governance and anti-corruption drive, there is no compromise,” he said.
He said it was interesting that those who had been harping on the kleptocracy issue were themselves very much compromised in big dealings which benefited their sons, children and in-laws.
“I must remind them that if you really want to get to the bottom of it, you must be prepared to be truly transparent and be truly investigated. Investigations cannot be selective and that is our position,” said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
— Bernama
