THE government has estimated savings averaging RM22,826.65 per month since November 2022, following Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to decline a salary for his role as PM.
Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa disclosed that this amount reflects the anticipated expenses designated for the PM’s basic pay.
While the exact total was not provided by Dr Zaliha, the projected savings surpass RM300,000. She conveyed this information in response to a written inquiry from Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who sought clarification on the government’s savings resulting from Anwar’s refusal to accept his salary.
Moreover, Anwar initially announced his decision not to receive a salary for both his PM and Finance Minister positions during his inaugural press conference on Nov 24, 2022. He viewed this gesture as a crucial step in earning the people’s trust in his leadership.
In reaffirming his stance in January of this year, Anwar noted his commitment to forgo payment for his positions until the nation’s economy fully recovered. He also extended this policy to include salary reductions for Cabinet members.
This commitment to austerity measures echoes similar initiatives within the government.
In June of the previous year, Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali disclosed to Parliament that the government saved approximately RM100,000 monthly through salary cuts for Cabinet members, culminating in annual savings of RM1.2 mil. – March 14, 2024
Main photo credit: Borneo Post Online
