Pakatan Harapan on Tuesday saw its last minister and deputy ministers sworn in. Keeping to its promise, Harapan has put together a leaner government.

The salaries of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s government amount to an estimated RM7.96 million per year, after the 10 percent cut that the cabinet had agreed to undertake.

This was in contrast to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's final cabinet under the previous BN government, which had a salary cost of approximately RM11.23 million.

Mahathir had promised that his cabinet would not have more than 30 ministers.

The final number of ministers is 28, including the prime minister and deputy prime minister. Twenty-seven deputy ministers bring the total headcount to 55 people.

In contrast, Najib's government had 68 people comprising 35 ministers, including the prime minister and deputy prime minister, and 33 deputy ministers.

However, some ministers in both governments hold or held more than one post.

Under Harapan, the 28 ministers hold 29 positions - Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is also the Women, Family and Community Development Minister.

Under BN, 35 people held 38 positions.

Najib was then also the finance minister while his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi doubled up as home minister. Then defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein was also a special functions minister.

The number of ministries under both governments remains the same, at 25.

However, some were restructured with certain portfolios split or merged.

The Member of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 details the salaries of not only MPs but also that of ministers and deputy ministers.

According to the law, the prime minister is eligible for a salary of RM22,826.65 a month while the deputy prime minister is entitled to a salary of RM18,168.15 per month.

A regular minister receives a salary of RM14,907.20 a month while a deputy minister receives RM10,847.65 a month.

These stipulated amounts do not factor in the 10 percent salary cut which the Harapan government agreed to undertake.