Anwar moots 10pct pay cut for Harapan-led states

Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that all Pakatan Harapan-led state governments emulate Putrajaya in implementing a 10 percent pay cut.

"I urge all state governments under the Harapan to consider and implement a similar move," said the coalition's de facto leader in a statement.

Anwar reminded that Harapan's victory in the May 9 general election should create a fresh dimension and new culture where there are no more wastage, tiresome protocol and boastful practices.

"The trust bestowed by the people must be welcomed with full consciousness, to practice a matured democracy where the people and media is free to continue monitoring," he added.

Penang, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Johor are governed by Harapan.

Contacted later, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy welcomed Anwar's proposal, saying it was a good move and should be referred to the state executive council.

Ramasamy said a 10 percent salary cut might not be a huge amount but it is "symbolic" to show that the new Harapan government is serious in steering the country in the right direction.

On another matter, Ramasamy also praised Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng for speaking the truth about the 1MDB scandal and laying bare the facts that the country's debt is close to one trillion ringgit.

He was referring to an article in Bloomberg which urged Lim to be more "tactful" in handling the 1MDB fiasco. - Mkini