Malaysia may reduce the salaries of its Cabinet members if the economy weakens due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is ready to consider this step if needed.
He spoke to reporters on April 17, according to local media reports. His comments came as concerns grow about global economic risks linked to the conflict. Many countries are watching closely as rising tensions could affect trade, energy prices, and overall growth.
Government Ready to Act
Anwar said there is no problem in cutting ministers’ pay if the situation becomes more serious. He explained that such a decision would depend on how much the economy is affected in the coming months.
He also said he personally has no issue giving up his own salary if necessary. However, he noted that ministers’ pay is already not very high compared to their responsibilities.
“What matters is that they serve well,” he said. He added that salaries are a right for ministers as long as they perform their duties properly.
Comparison with Indonesia
Anwar was responding to questions about a similar idea in Indonesia. The Indonesian government is discussing a proposal to cut ministers’ salaries as part of efforts to manage spending.
Reports say the plan could reduce salaries by up to 25 percent. Prabowo Subianto will make the final decision if the proposal moves forward.
Malaysia is now studying such measures but has not made any final decision. Officials say they will continue to monitor economic conditions before taking action.
Focus on Economic Stability
The Middle East conflict has raised concerns about global supply chains and oil prices. These factors can affect countries like Malaysia that depend on trade and energy markets.
Anwar stressed that any decision will be based on protecting the country’s economy. He said the government will take careful steps to ensure stability while continuing to support public services.
For now, Malaysia’s Cabinet salaries remain unchanged. However, the government has made it clear that all options are open if economic conditions worsen.
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