KUALA TERENGGANU, April 13, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed surprise and frustration at being criticised despite his long-standing decision not to draw a salary for the top government post.
Speaking at the Konvensyen Keadilan Terengganu organised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) yesterday, Anwar said: “Kena kutuk bila saya tak nak ambil gaji. Aneh betul politik negara kita.” (I get criticised even when I don’t want to take my salary. Our country’s politics is really strange.)
The clip of his remarks, shared widely on social media including by X user @jasonyew , quickly drew mixed reactions online. Some supporters praised his gesture as a sign of integrity and sacrifice, while critics accused him of repeatedly using the issue as a political talking point and questioned why he continues to highlight it.
Anwar has not accepted the Prime Minister’s salary (approximately RM22,800 basic per month plus allowances) since assuming office in November 2022. He has stated on multiple occasions that he relies only on his allowance as a Member of Parliament, framing the decision as a personal commitment to public service and fiscal responsibility during challenging economic times.
This is not the first time Anwar has addressed the topic at party events. In previous speeches, he described the move as an example for other leaders and a way to demonstrate solidarity with the rakyat amid economic pressures.
The statement comes as PKR continues its series of state-level conventions ahead of future political engagements. No immediate response from opposition parties has been reported on this latest remark.
The full video of Anwar’s speech at the Terengganu convention has circulated on platforms like Instagram and X, generating thousands of views and discussions within hours.
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