PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that his refusal to accept a salary for his position as Prime Minister is intended to show the public that not all politicians are greedy for money.
In an interview with Indonesian television, the boss of Pakatan Harapan (PH) said that he decided to show the people that he sincerely wants to serve the people and does not want a position where he seeks wealth.
Anwar also insisted that he was not worried about not taking a salary because this helps to remind him that there are still people in Malaysia who live in poverty.
“Because I want to show that not all political figures are crazy about wealth and want to unload wealth. Although it makes it a bit difficult, thank God Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the children accepted that fact.
“There are still poor people, I reject my salary (but) there is still a small salary as a Member of Parliament, and everything else is free… you don’t have to pay tolls to ride a car, etc,” Anwar explained.
After announcing that he will not take a salary as PM, he then announced that he will also hold the post of Finance Minister.
This sparked criticism from his opponents and supporters, who claimed he was caught in his own bluff on the salary issue, despite the fact that he will be paid as finance minister.
Anwar retorted to the critics, saying he will not receive any salary, both as prime minister and as finance minister.
On Dec 6, he also announced that Cabinet ministers have also agreed to a 20% pay cut in their salaries until Malaysia reaches economic recovery.
On the other hand, he also explained that he likes to go down to the field to meet the “rakyat” in a bid to hear the aspirations of the people and also as a self-reminder not to become complacent in his struggle for the people.
“I know the figures of civil society, politicians and intellectuals, Once they rise to a high position, there is a feature called ‘arrogance of power’…that warns me.
“That’s why I must go on the ground, to the warung, listen to their aspirations and complaints. We don’t have all the answers, we have to listen, and learn critically.” — Jan 15, 2023
