A prominent Malaysian businessman has slammed the country’s Public Service for remaining on full salaries while the private sector faces pay cuts and lay-offs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to bite.
Ameer Ali Mydin (pictured), who runs a chain of supermarkets, said the Government’s revenue was being affected not only by the falling prices of exports such as crude oil and palm oil, but also in the collection of various taxes.
“Businesses are suffering and everyone is taking a pay cut in the private sector, including those who are self-employed. We are all affected,” Mr Ameer said.
He said his company had already cut staff salaries by up to 50 per cent and completely halted payments to its top directors.
“However, this does not seem to be the case with some 1.6 million Civil Servants. There are still high-ranking Government officials who are getting full salaries. Anyone earning above RM3,000 ($A1,080) should be taking a pay cut,” Mr Ameer said.
He said it was only sensible that Public Servants’ pay be reduced, adding that the savings could go towards helping the poor who had been most affected by the pandemic.
“Pay cuts for Civil Servants could be scaled based on their salary level. Everyone should share the burden,” Mr Ameer said.
Kuala Lumpur, 23 April, 2010
