Dr M suggests 10pct salary cut for high-earners, distribute to those in need

 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested a 10 percent salary cut for all high-income earners, with the money used to provide food for the unemployed.

"I think people earning high salaries in the government or private sector should forgo 10 percent of their salaries.

"It is a sacrifice, but I don't think it would hurt them if there is a reasonable cut-off point, say, RM20,000 per month," he said on his blog, chedet.cc.

Mahathir made this suggestion in response to the Covid-19 outbreak that has affected people's livelihoods and the economy.

The Langkawi MP opined that despite the pandemic, high-income earners are continuing to earn more than their daily needs, in contrast to those who have lost their jobs and income.

Mahathir, who is the pro-tem chairperson of new political party Pejuang, also proposed allowance and salary cuts for ministers and lawmakers. 

"In the last 15 years, salaries have increased at very high rates – as much as 25 percent each time. Ministers and MPs have been given numerous allowances.

"Such is the increase that everyone is keen to be members of Parliament and ministers," he said.

Mahathir claimed that such lucrative earning has caused those in positions of power to sacrifice their principles, just to hold on to their posts.

"Nothing will make them part with their positions. Even when their leaders commit crimes, they will support them.

"Giving up their posts would deprive them of so much money. Principles don’t count anymore," he said.

A typical salary for an MP is RM25,700 a month, including a variety of allowances which include an entertainment allowance of RM2,500 a month and a computer allowance of up to RM6,000.

This is on top of the MP allocations for their respective constituencies, which is up to RM3.5 million a year for government MPs, and only RM100,000 for opposition MPs.

- Mkini