Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the projected salary adjustment, effective from December, and estimated to cost over RM10 billion from next year, is feasible with disciplined financial oversight.

“With our nation’s RM1.5 trillion debt and a 5.6% deficit, which is expected to reduce to 5% this year, and further next year, how can we proceed with this salary increase?

“It is because we can exercise control over the nation’s financial management,” he said in his keynote address at the 9th Series of Perkampungan Sunnah programme here last night.

He said the decision to raise the salaries of civil servants is a fair reward and aims to enhance their understanding of duties and discipline.

“How can we enhance their understanding of the need to work diligently, maintain police and military discipline, if they are not fairly rewarded. So, I am responsible for ensuring this can be implemented,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar urged Islamic leaders to boldly address and express their views on the current atrocities against Palestinians.

“The recent developments in Gaza highlight the diminishing voices of Islamic leaders and the waning efforts to take a resolute stance against oppression.

“As a consequence, the audacity of Zionist Israel persists with the backing of several Western nations, particularly the United States. While I represent a modest nation with moderate economic strength, I cannot condone this apathy and allow it to perpetuate,” he said.