MB's aide to Muhyiddin: Anwar paid RM1 as S'gor economic adviser

The Selangor Menteri Besar's office has refuted Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin's claim that Anwar Ibrahim was once paid RM15 million to serve as Selangor economic adviser.

Juwairiya Zulkifli, the political secretary to the menteri besar, said the Selangor government, including by then menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim, had repeatedly refuted this claim at the state legislative assembly.

She added that during Anwar's stint as an adviser, he was only paid a symbolic RM1 per annum.

"That sum was not paid to him since the day he was appointed. He does not receive any other allowances or special treatment.

"This is clearly laid out in answers to several state assemblypersons.

"(Muhyiddin) is recycling baseless allegations. He is displaying desperation and shows that PN was bankrupt of ideas," said Juwairiya in a statement.

The former premier had allegedly made the allegation while stumping for PN's candidate prior to the Padang Serai election today.

Several video clips of Muhyiddin making the claim have appeared online. Malaysiakini is seeking comment from his office.

In 2011, then Sungai Burung assemblyperson Dr Mohd Khir Toyo posed a question through the legislative assembly to seek details on the cost of maintaining Anwar's position, while noting that the latter's salary was "RM1 per month".

Following this, the Selangor government replied that between January and June 2011, the economic adviser's office had spent RM258,162.

The state assembly was also told that none of Anwar's trips abroad from November 2009 when he was appointed up until July 2011 involved state funds.

Continued after Azmin took over

When Azmin Ali took over as menteri besar in 2014, Anwar continued to serve as the economic adviser.

During the same state assembly meeting, then Seri Serdang assemblyperson Mohamad Satim Diman asked what impact Anwar had brought through his role.

The state government replied that Anwar's views were incorporated in land management reforms regarding temporary land occupation rights.

"Through this new method, the rakyat only need to pay an RM1,000 processing fee to continue residing on the land and receive ownership, whereas, during the previous administration, they would have paid tens of thousands of ringgit," said the state government.

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