KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — All federal ministers will continue to have a 20 per cent pay cut, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today in his Budget 2026 speech.

Anwar had first announced that the Cabinet had agreed to a 20 per cent pay cut to their monthly salary in December 2022, until the country’s economy recovers.

Anwar himself had decided not to take his salary for his two positions as prime minister and finance minister, since he took up both roles in November 2022.

Excluding Anwar, there are currently 28 ministers in the federal Cabinet.

Anwar also said the second phase of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) will start from January 2026, in line with the restructuring of civil servants’ salaries.

With an additional RM18 billion for civil servants’ wage increases in 2026, Anwar also announced a special RM500 aid to all civil servants of Grade 56 and below, including contract appointees.

A special RM250 aid will also be given to all government retirees, including veterans.

“This aid will be channelled in early March 2026 in conjunction with Aidilfitri celebrations,” he said.

 Malay Mail – Malaysia