At a press conference, Anwar said this will continue until the economy has fully recovered, after which the pay cut will be reviewed.

This was to show the government’s concern for Malaysians, he added.

“If (the economy) recovers in three years’ time, we will review (this policy) then. I thank (the ministers) for their willingness to make some sacrifices.

“Some people say it’s no wonder I’m not taking the prime minister’s salary, because I’m the finance minister. That’s not true,” he said with a chuckle, maintaining that he will not be taking any salary.

When campaigning for the recent general election, Anwar had said he would not take a salary if appointed the prime minister in solidarity with the people who were struggling with the rising cost of living.

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil, who is now the digital communications minister, also said he will not accept a salary or allowance if Pakatan Harapan won the election.

Meanwhile, Anwar said agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu will be announcing several key measures tomorrow to tackle the reported shortage of eggs.

He said these measures will aim to reduce the price of eggs and the industry’s reliance on cartels, while ensuring greater supply in the market.

Anwar also said he had met tycoon Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary recently and spoke with him about the monopoly on the import of rice into Malaysia.

“To be fair, we must know that this was not a concession. It was not awarded to him but to Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) which was then owned by Tan Boon Seng (31%) as well as Shahidan Kassim.”

He added that Syed Mokhtar later acquired RM800 million worth of shares that belonged to Tan and another RM400 million from Shahidan.

Shahidan is the Arau MP and a former Perlis menteri besar.

Anwar said his government would not allow politicians to get a hold of riches easily by leeching off the poor anymore.

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