Dr Mahathir moots 30pc pay cut for ministers, says they won’t starve in Covid economy

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad propose that all ministers should take a 30 per cent pay cut. ― Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The government should consider shaving the salaries of its ministers by 30 per cent to reduce unnecessary expenses on Budget 2021, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad suggested today.

The former prime minister described the RM322.5 billion Budget tabled in Parliament last week as unrealistic as it would not help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We don’t need such a big budget if it’s not impacting the social living standards. We can cut down. 

“The government today has made so many ministerial posts in every ministry. But they can’t carry out their duties because of the Covid-19 situation,” he said while debating Budget 2021 in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the government’s imposition of travel restrictions have taken a heavy toll on low-income groups. 

“But there are still people who get a high salary which is way more than their needs of living. To add, these people don’t get cuts but instead the government provides them with RM500 allocation when they are supposed to concentrate on groups who lost their jobs and can’t eat daily.

“I propose that all ministers should take a 30 per cent pay cut. I don’t think they will starve if their salary gets deducted,” the Langkawi MP said.

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