Rural Development Minister: Cutting Cabinet’s Pay & Allowances Won’t Solve Rising Cost Of Living Issues

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has recently refuted a proposal for Cabinet members to be subjected to pay and allowance cuts. This is because such a measure would not help  with Malaysians’ current struggles of dealing with the rising cost of living.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, Mahdzir instead urged for the situation to be addressed through more effective methods, such as those announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently.

The veteran UMNO leader asserted,

“The Prime Minister and his team in the Cabinet have put in a lot of effort, especially ministers who are directly involved with the economy and the prices of goods like the Finance Ministry and those related to the economy, commerce, agriculture and public works.”

Rural development minister, datuk seri mahdzir khalid.

Mahdzir further revealed that the Cabinet has been meeting twice weekly to discuss ways and find solutions for the benefit of the rakyat. These include the no increase in electricity tariffs and the decision not to float the market price of chicken.

Besides the above, the Rural Development Minister also lauded the government’s decision to maintain the price of RON95 petrol at RM2.05 per litre despite rising oil prices globally. Mahdzir also welcomes Malaysians to come forward with ideas to the government regarding how to help deal with the pressing issues of  rising cost of living.

The Rural Development Minister was responding to former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz who proposed a cut in ministers’ salary to show empathy for the people who are now struggling with the economic crisis. Mahdzir said that he didn’t know whetehr Rafidah’s statement was sincere or sarcastic but urged her to meet the Prime Minister and tell him her ideas to help the people instead.

So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Rural Development Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: PM: Electricity, Water Tariffs in Peninsula M’sia Unchanged, Price Ceiling For Chickens Won’t Be Abolished