I’ll take salary cut for the rakyat: Wan Fayhsal

KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said he supports calls for ministers and their deputies to have their salaries cut to help the public weather the current inflation woes.

The Bersatu Youth chief also said he has no objection against proposals for non-essential allowances – such as those for overseas travelling – to be slashed, with the savings channelled for the public’s benefit.

Speaking at a press conference today, Wan Fayhsal said he is aware of the calls made by certain quarters for ministers and other senior government officials to receive pay cuts amid the rise in the cost of living.

“But it shouldn’t just stop with us (ministers and deputies). We should also cut the salaries of chairmen of government-linked companies and statutory bodies. For the rakyat, we are willing.

“I leave it up to the cabinet to decide how much they want to cut, whether 10% or 20%, it’s up to them,” he told the press after chairing a Bersatu Youth meeting at Perikatan Nasional’s headquarters, here, today.

“Any allowances that, when slashed, have no effect on the day-to-day running of the country, should be considered for a cut. We (Bersatu Youth) fully support the proposal to reduce government spending to curb inflation.”

He was asked to comment on the demands by student groups earlier today, calling for the reduction in salaries of all ministers and their deputies, among other measures to address the rising cost of living. 

Last week, former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz made a similar call, suggesting such a move expressed empathy for ordinary Malaysians facing an economic crisis.

Previously, Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had said that the proposal will not help the public deal with inflation and that more “effective” methods, such as maintaining the electricity tariff and imposing a price cap on chicken, are needed.

Regarding the push by certain parties for a snap election, Wan Fayhsal said the government should be given space to resolve issues affecting the masses before polls can be considered.

With the recent programmes introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to address inflation, the deputy minister said any consideration on polls could be pushed back to later this year.

“I would say at least allow for the 2023 Budget to be tabled in Parliament first,” he said.

Tajuddin a ‘warrior’

Commenting on the recent revelations by Umno’s Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, Wan Fayhsal said he was bedazzled by the spirit shown by the Pasir Salak lawmaker.

“I am impressed by his fighting spirit and courage in speaking out the truth, which truly resembles a Pahlawan (warrior of) Pasir Salak,” he said when asked if he agreed with the prospect of Tajuddin contesting via the Bersatu ticket should he be dropped from Umno in the next election.

Wan Fayhsal, however, said he is not in the position to make any decision or further comments pertaining to party’s candidates.

“Pahlawan Pasir Salak” is often referred to by locals as warriors who fought off British colonisers during the 1870s, and is also the title of a novel on the matter which was written by Mohd Ismail Sarbini and used in the secondary school syllabus.

On Monday, the embattled Tajuddin made numerous disclosures, including one about the existence of Umno statutory declarations (SDs) supposedly supporting opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.

On a separate matter, Wan Fayhsal said Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s decision to quit Bersatu last month had taken him by surprise, saying there was no indication of discontent when she signed an SD supporting Ismail Sabri as prime minister in August last year.

“I remember that night when we signed the SD to be submitted to the palace, I was beside her in this very (same) room. At the time, Zuraida did not show any ill will towards Bersatu.”

Regardless, Wan Fayhsal said her cabinet position should be returned to Bersatu based on the allocation of portfolios agreed upon prior to the formation of the current government. – The Vibes, June 29, 2022