Anwar declines amnesties as opposition leader, diverts funds to needy

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has opted to turn down several ministerial amnesties and allowances accorded to him as opposition leader.  

In a statement today, the Port Dickson MP said he will instead be channelling the funds to donation drives for struggling citizens.  

Some of the amnesties Anwar has declined to accept include:  

– RM14,907.20 a month for monthly wages;

– RM12,320 a month for entertainment allowances;

– RM1,500 a month for special payments;

– RM833 a month for home maintenance allowances;

– RM6,000 for warm clothes allowances (once every three years);

– RM1,500 for formal ceremony attire allowances (once every three years);

– RM1,500 for “black-tie” attire allowances (once every three years); and

– An official car and a private vehicle for usage during official duties. 

He stated that he had informed those responsible for preparing his office in Parliament to not make any renovations or modifications as well.  

Anwar said the recognition of the opposition leader’s office does not mean that the opposition will immediately support any government principles without question, adding that checks and balances will still be enforced to ensure that democracy is upheld.  

“As stated by the prime minister in the letter to me, this decision does not affect the role of the opposition leader. I will still be carrying out my duties as per normal,” he emphasised.  

He also conveyed his thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the government for their willingness to improve parliamentary standards and the functions of the opposition leader in line with being a democratic nation. 

Earlier this week, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke confirmed that Ismail Sabri had handed Anwar a letter of confirmation upgrading the latter to an opposition leader with ministerial amenities. – The Vibes, October 16, 2021