Anwar returns his allowance as Khazanah chairman

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a few months after he began chairing Khazanah meetings, the allowance was deposited into his bank account but he returned the money and declined any further payments. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today he has returned to Khazanah Nasional Berhad the allowance he received as chairman of the government’s investment arm, while reiterating that he does not draw a salary for his position as prime minister.

“Earlier, I chaired the Khazanah meetings…apparently the chairman and prime minister are entitled to allowances, of which I was not aware. The allowance was deposited into my bank account for a few months, but I informed them that I would not be taking it.

“I returned the Khazanah allowance and instructed them not to pay it,” he said.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he declined to accept the Khazanah allowance and prime minister’s salary while the country’s economy has not fully recovered.

After taking office in November 2022, Anwar said he would not accept a salary as prime minister and described it as a first step towards gaining the people’s confidence in his leadership.

“I have experienced extreme hardship and suffering, which has taught me that when in power, I should do my best to help uplift the fate of the people.

“That’s why I say, I am not from a wealthy family and I do not take a salary as a prime minister. Some people say I don’t take a prime minister’s salary but take a salary as finance minister. That is not true,” he said.

Anwar said the government has addressed hardcore poverty in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Penang, Perak and Johor. “We are working towards addressing it in other states as well,” he said. - FMT