.JPG "Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (second from left) speaks during a press conference at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya July 10, 2018. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Miera Zulyana")
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that his administration intends to scale down the salaries of top leaders in government linked companies (GLC).
He said he will not increase the salaries of either the members of his Cabinet or lawmakers, when asked the government’s plan regarding the financial remuneration for those in the public sector to equal those in the private sector.
“The salary of MPs I know is lower compared to the private sector. So we want to reduce the salary in the private sector,” Dr Mahathir quipped, referring to the GLCs.
He was speaking to reporters during a press conference before a briefing to all Pakatan Harapan lawmakers by Government, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) and also the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).
Dr Mahathir also said that his salary when he was Prime Minister previously was more than enough as government leaders are provided with housing, transportation and generally have their bills paid for.
“When I was Prime Minister, I didn't have to spend my salary, so it was good enough for me. That's the money I have now,” he said.
He acknowledged that while MPs don't get such privileges, the current government is providing extra aid for their constituency work to alleviate their burden.
