Anwar may cut salaries of M'sia ministers if Middle East crisis gets worse

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that the government is open to cutting the salary of ministers if the crisis in the Middle East worsens.

Anwar noted however, that current ministerial pay is low given the scale of responsibilities they have, Bernama reported.

He said, "What matters is that ministers carry out their duties well. As for me, I have no issue with not taking a salary, but it is their right as long as they perform."

The prime minister added, "However, if the economic situation worsens, we may have to consider reviewing or reducing ministers' pay."

Earlier in April, Anwar said that while he acknowledged public concerns over the rising cost of living, including petrol prices, the country was still doing relatively better than others.

He also revealed that the government is spending about RM6 billion (S$1.92 billion) monthly on petrol subsidies, The Star reported.

Indonesia mulling proposal to cut ministers' pay

Anwar was responding to a question on Apr. 17 about whether Malaysia would adopt a similar approach to Indonesia in reviewing proposals for reducing the salaries of ministers, amidst economic pressures.

According to Antara, Indonesia is mulling over a proposal to reduce the salaries of ministers, potentially by up to 25 per cent, as part of "budget efficiency efforts," according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Indonesia's Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, also said he would not oppose such a move, adding that the decision ultimately rests with President Prabowo Subianto, The New Straits Times reported.

Top photo via Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook