[UPDATED] Ministers to take 20% pay cut until economy recovers: Anwar

PUTRAJAYA – Cabinet members under the new unity government will take a 20% cut from their salaries each month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. 

Speaking at a press conference following a special cabinet meeting this morning, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said the policy will be in place until the country’s economy recovers. 

He said the move is done in the spirit of sharing the people’s concerns, amid soaring prices of goods over the past few months. 

“If the economy recovers in three years, we will review (this decision),” he said to members of the media at the Prime Minister’s Office, here, today. 

“Salary cuts are inappropriate, but I thank the cabinet members for making this minor sacrifice.”

Anwar himself had previously, during the campaigning period, vowed to forgo his salary if he is appointed as prime minister, a matter which he reiterated in his first press conference after his swearing in on November 24.

On confusions that this would not matter as he would still enjoy his salary as finance minister, Anwar clarified that this is not that case, as existing provisions only allows a cabinet member to enjoy the salary of one ministership, even if the person holds two portfolios. 

During the announcement of his cabinet on Friday, Anwar had said that he would reluctantly helm the Finance Ministry in light of the current global economic crisis, hoping that his presence will reassure local and foreign investors.

Egg price to be reduced, special 4D draws down to eight

Anwar said he also had a discussion with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu earlier on the issue of shortage of eggs, and assured that measures have been taken to address the matter. 

“Hopefully, there will be an announcement tomorrow on lower prices of eggs, by reducing dependency on cartels. We hope egg supply will be enough and prices will be reduced.”

Separately, Anwar announced that the number of “special draws” for 4-digit lottery operators will be reduced from 22 presently to eight beginning January 1 next year, similar to what was done during PH’s first stint in federal power. 

He acknowledged that this was a drastic move to take in his first day as finance minister. 

Previously, under the Datuk Seri Najib Razak administration, gaming companies were allowed to hold 22 special draws for 4D numbers annually, before PH reduced it to 11 in 2019 and eight in 2020. 

The number of draws were increased back to 22 following the collapse of the PH government in February 2020. – The Vibes, December 5, 2022

Additional reporting by Azril Annuar