PUTRAJAYA: The new Cabinet has agreed to cut the monthly salary of ministers by 20 per cent, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this decision reflected the Cabinet members’ concern for the problems faced by the people now.
Anwar said the salary cut would remain in effect until the country’s economy had recovered.
“If the economy recovers in three years’ time, we will review … this salary cut is appropriate, but I would like to thank them (ministers) for their willingness to make a bit of sacrifice.
“Some people say Anwar is willing to forgo the Prime Minister’s salary because he is getting the Finance Minister’s pay. That is not correct … there is only one salary,” he said in a press conference after chairing the first special Cabinet meeting of the Unity Government here today.
Meanwhile, Budget 2023 will be reviewed and modified, taking into account the views of the Finance Ministry (MoF) and the newly appointed Unity Government Cabinet, said Anwar.
He said that he will give the MoF and members of the Cabinet the opportunity to enhance the existing Budget 2023.
“I think that most (of the budget) are acceptable although many have assumed that I would oppose all of the proposals. We can proceed with those which are good,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar emphasised that he will focus on managing the country’s economy and building investors’ confidence.
“Many investment companies from India, China, Europe and the United States have requested appointments in the coming weeks, and I will focus on generating economic growth," he said.