Minister kok-tokkers should take a pay cut NOW!

Focus Malaysia:

MCO 3.0 has little economic impact? Take a pay cut then, Cabinet members!

LIVID over the Government’s argument that movement control order (MCO 3.0) will have little impact on the economy, social media users took to Facebook to vent out their anger.

“Why don’t all ministers and deputies try a 70% pay cut and without allowances only for three months then talk through your rear…. The rakyat are already facing the worst high and dry times now and you are sitting there squeezing the country dry of every balance drop,” said user Ravin Bhatt.



Two days ago, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz claimed that MCO 3.0 would not cause significant impact to the economy as most economic sectors will be operating as usual.

His view was echoed by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, who said the nation is on track of an economic recovery despite several challenges.

“Therefore, we project BNM projects our economic growth will remain between 6% to 7.5% this year,” Astro Awani reported her saying.

Another user Hasree Khaw Hock Swee urged non-active ministers and deputy ministers to take 80% pay cut and do away with their allowances altogether to cut costs.

“And all ministries should do a monthly presentation to the media on what is their achievement and plan for the rakyat,” he added.



Derek Alan de Souza stated: “No significant impact to you and the rest of the Cabinet, because all well paid with the taxpayer’s money. But we the taxpayer or rakyat are struggling.

“Stop talking nonsense and making up stories that just satisfies your needs and that of your Cabinet. If you are truly genuine, why not suggest to the entire Cabinet to not take one month’s salary and instead use that money to distribute amongst the B40.”



Sarinah Sultan Ibrahim added: “No impact seriously????Which country are you referring???”

Go tell that to petty traders, Najib says

On related matter, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also lashed out on arguments that the latest lockdown will have little impact on the economy.

“I’m sorry but I disagree. Don’t make blanket statements. There are two elements in the economy, which are based on exports (manufacturing) and local economy.

“The export market is doing well now, especially electrics and electronics, as giant economies like the US and China are recording unusual growth numbers. However, those who are benefitting from this are tycoons and foreign factory owners.

“But local economy ran by the likes of Makcik Kiah is definitely affected and struggling to get back on their feet after MCO 2.0,” he said, in a Facebook post.



Pouring scorn on the duo, Najib dared them to tell that to bus drivers, petty traders and restaurateurs who are now struggling due to the lockdowns.

He added that the duo should also tell their views to those in the tourism and entertainment industries, who were disallowed from operating for months.

“Go talk to bazaar Ramadan and night market traders. If MCO 3.0 has no impact on them, who is paying rental and their workers’ salaries?

On that note, the Pekan MP said that MCO 2.0 and MCO 3.0 were unfair for millions of ordinary citizens as it looked more favourable to tycoons and factories owned by foreigners.

“If you want to contain COVID-19, everyone has to sacrifice for a while until we flatten the curve,” he opined. – May 13, 2021.