Malaysia

West Asia conflict: Government ready to consider cutting ministers' salaries if economy deteriorates

Anwar stressed that any decision on the matter would be made based on current needs and the country's economic situation.

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 17 Apr 2026 3:59PM

West Asia conflict: Government ready to consider cutting ministers' salaries if economy deteriorates
The issue of cutting the leader's salary was being examined by neighboring country, Indonesia. - April 17, 2026

THE government has not ruled out the possibility of cutting ministerial salaries if the country's economic situation becomes more challenging following the conflict in West Asia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, stressed that the priority at the moment is to ensure that members of the administration provide the best service to the people, and that the salary rate of ministers in this country is currently relatively low compared to the responsibilities they carry.

"Our salaries are relatively low. What is important is that we serve well.

"And I have no problem, I do not take a salary. But the salary is their right as long as they work well, I think it is reasonable.

"However, there is no obstacle if the economic situation is more acute, so we can think about it," he said.

He said this when met by the media after performing Friday prayers at the Cyberjaya Fire and Rescue Station Surau, today.

Commenting further, Anwar stressed that any decision on the matter would be made based on current needs and the country's economic situation.

Previously, the media reported that the issue of cutting the leader's salary was being examined by neighboring country, Indonesia.

It is part of the fiscal tightening measures and the proposal will be discussed at a Cabinet-level meeting in the near future, but so far there has been no official decision on the matter. – April 17, 2026

Related News

Malaysia / 1d

Is Malaysia 'soft' in tackling the haze? The government has done everything it possibly can – PM Anwar

Malaysia / 2d

Malay Rulers urge outsiders not to interfere in Negeri Sembilan crisis

Malaysia / 4d

Malaysia’s K-shaped economy: Growth without shared prosperity?

Malaysia / 6d

Budget 2027: Anwar appears mindful of GE16, says analyst

Malaysia / 1w

AMK slams Eric See-To for using the Quran as a tool for political attacks

Malaysia / 1w

Budget 2027: Most reform-minded budget in history, says Guan Eng

Spotlight

Malaysia

Haze: MOH issues strict guidelines to ensure public health

Cocaine in shoes: Invited on vacation to Japan, only to end up as drug mules

Malaysia

PDRM awaits Philippine confirmation on alleged politician’s role in 521kg drug seizure

Malaysia

Elderly man dies after being beaten repeatedly

Malaysia

Preliminary report on helicopter crash in Long Lellang released; probe ongoing

Malaysia

‘Am I not the Tuanku?’ Tuanku Muhriz tells off Ismail Lasim (video)

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Donating to Najib: ‘One of the most foolish things I have seen’ – UM student

Malaysia

AKPS officer was seeking divorce before alleged killing, says brother

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Malaysia

UM urged to spare student disciplinary action over criticism of Najib donation drive

Malaysia

Johor bears brunt of haze as nine areas record API readings above 150

Malaysia

Malaysia records 69,001 face-to-face fraud cases in 2025

Malaysia

Cannabis haul seized in Thailand could fetch RM1.96m in Malaysia

Malaysia

Senior political party leader caught for khalwat - (updated)

Malaysia

The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 comes into effect today

Malaysia

Retiree loses RM42,580 to fake ustaz’s RM300k money-doubling scam

Malaysia

Haze: Details of Malaysia’s aid to Indonesia to be finalised this Monday – Fahmi