More ministers willing to take pay cut for the people

SHAH ALAM - A handful of ministers have expressed their openness to a pay cut following former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz’s suggestion to show more empathy to the people suffering from the economic crisis post-pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war.

On Friday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Deputy Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and National Unity Deputy Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said that they were ready for the pay cut if instructed.

Through a brief reaction, Nancy said she never ruled out that option if it was a decision from the government.

However, she said the proposal should get the opinion of the Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

“Ask the Finance Minister, because he knows the real situation regarding finance, and it is easier for him to talk than me,” she said.

For Mas Ermieyati, the cut in salaries or allowances of ministers and deputy ministers was not new; the implementation had also been made several times such as not taking salaries for three months following the Movement Control Order (MCO) to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am sure my friends in the cabinet also have the same thoughts and they certainly have no objection because they care about the people," she said.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also voiced the same opinion and there was no problem if the government wanted to cut his salary again to ease and control government spending.

"During the 27 months of having government positions since March 2020, ministers and deputy ministers have experienced an unpaid phase for five months," he said.

On Saturday, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Deputy Minister Datuk Muslimin Yahaya said if the salary and allowance cuts were implemented to increase the country's savings, he was ready for it.

"If it is necessary to increase the country's savings, I am willing to do that and there is no problem," he explained.

Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed agreed that all ministers and deputy ministers implement the pay cuts.

"If everyone agrees, I am ready (to agree). What is important is that the decision must be coordinated,” he said.

However, Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid explained that the proposal to cut salaries and ministerial allowances by 20 per cent was not a complete solution to help the people who were currently struggling to face the challenges of the economic crisis.

He said there were still more effective methods to be used to address the rising cost of living of the people.

He also said various efforts are currently being made by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob together with the ministers involved, including holding special meetings twice a week to discuss the matter.

"These people will sit in meetings twice a week to discuss matters that have arisen and provide a solution as announced by the Prime Minister in regard to no increase in electricity tariffs and the market price of chicken.

“Until now, the government still subsidises RON95 petrol to the people at a price of RM2.05 per litre. This is one of the steps and decisions taken by the government so as not to burden the people,” he explained.