Penang is third state to cut pay of CM, exco members

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Chief Minister and the state’s 10 state executive councillors (exco) will have their salaries cut by 10%, with the savings to go to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) trust fund.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move would be in effect from June onwards.

“The state administration is always concerned and wants to assist in reducing the country’s burden and financial crisis.

“Thus, 10% will be deducted from my salary and that of 10 state exco members, to be channelled to THM,” he told a press conference at Komtar on Thursday (May 31).

Chow said that with this deduction, Penang would be able to contribute about RM13,527 a month to the THM fund.

The fund allows Malaysians to contribute towards reducing the national debt, which the Finance Ministry said has reached RM1 trillion.

The newly-formed Cabinet agreed to lower the salaries of ministers by 10% with immediate effect, to reduce government expenditure after Pakatan Harapan took over in GE14.

The Mentris Besar of Johor and Kedah have also followed suit, announcing similar cuts for themselves and their state exco members.