I'll take my salary once the economy recovers - Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he is sticking with his resolution not to take a salary six months into the job.

He said he will only do so once the economy recovers.

"When the economy recovers fast, I can take my salary again, which I have not taken for six months.

"As long as the economy has not recovered, I will not take a salary," he said during his address to Selangor public servants in Shah Alam today.

Besides Anwar, the cabinet also took a 20 percent pay cut tied to economic recovery.

The government said it was saving RM100,000 per month from the cabinet pay cut.

Part of Anwar's economic recovery plan includes targeting subsidies more, which has caused some rumblings.

However, he noted in his speech today that his efforts are nowhere near as aggressive as the moves taken by Indonesia.

"We have to improve our performance fast. Previously, Indonesia's economy was slow compared to Malaysia's.

"But now Indonesia is more stern by cancelling electricity subsidies.

"Unlike me, where only subsidies for the rich are cancelled, Indonesia withdrew subsidies from everyone," Anwar said.

He added that this allowed Indonesia to rapidly decrease its spending, which encouraged investors into the country.

However, Anwar said he would not resort to such drastic measures as he does not want to burden the public.

The finance minister said he is also working to ensure not to add to Malaysia’s outstanding debt, which now exceeds RM1.5 trillion.

“As a former prime minister and finance minister said before, if there is not enough money, I could just borrow, go into debt. Our country can still borrow, there are still sukuk and bonds.

“But that is irresponsible. Who will pay for it? Our children?” he asked.

Anwar said he wants to save the country by using his power to enhance governance, whereas national profits are returned to the people.

He added that civil service salaries and allowances can be raised if they perform well.

“The civil service is the backbone of the nation’s success.

“As soon as the economy recovers a little - right now the growth is better than China, Indonesia and Singapore, and if this continues - I will increase the salaries and allowances of civil servants,” he said.

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