The cost of living in the country has skyrocket in the recent months due to the aftermath of the supply chain disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Malaysians, who were already frustrated with the rising prices, are now venting out their frustration on Twitter and criticising the government for its lack of action in resolving the matter.
So much so that the #PotongGajiMenteri hashtag went trending on Twitter with netizens calling for the cabinet ministers to take a pay cut of at least 20% and a reduction in allowances to channel the savings to the people.
#PotongGajiMenteri pic.twitter.com/8njTOarzzk
— Fahmi Reza (@kuasasiswa) July 4, 2022
“The time has come for the prime minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) to mandate all Cabinet ministers to take a pay cut of 20%,” @XavierNaxa wrote on Twitter.
“Politicians are overpaid and (their pay) needs to be cut. I think we need somebody in there who will make this action happen. Cut the pay down to a teacher’s salary. Being a politician should not be a career,” @AlineJubilee wrote.
Meanwhile, some also called for the government to downsize the cabinet and remove the redundant positions in the Cabinet.
#PotongGajiMenteri and also their ALLOWANCES https://t.co/ZNgSyDNqrr
— gatsu (@cocoacurry) July 6, 2022
“#PotongGajiMenteri and the amount of redundant positions in the Cabinet. Allocate the taxpayers’ money to the well-being of the actual taxpayers,” said @Aphroditebebe.
“Also cut unnecessary allowances. #PotongGajiMenteri,” @nurathirahj said.
Besides that, a netizen also pointed out that the rakyat should remember that the ministers technically work of the people, hence, they must listen to the people.
Agreed! #PotongGajiMenteri #Malaysia https://t.co/8aU9RjjFK3
— KammoSiWong (@KammoSiWong) July 6, 2022
“But they are so hungry for power, they step on us. We vote for them so that they can serve the people but in the end, they choose to ignore their responsibilities. #PotongGajiMenteri,” the netizen said.
“#PotongGajiMenteri If they care so much about their people, what’s a 20% cut off their salary right?” another commented.
Last week, former Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz suggested that the government to reduce the ministers’ pay and allowances by as much as 20%.
However, the proposal was immediately rejected by Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as he said that cutting the ministers’ salaries won’t help reduce the inflation. He also said that the issue should instead be addressed with more effective methods.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts!
