2-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Insider sources revealed that several ministerial press secretaries in Malaysia have been unable to receive their rightful salaries for months due to the delay in obtaining appointment letters signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar. Three anonymous press secretaries of ministers informed “Free Malaysia Today” that they have not been notified about the delayed salary disbursements, and if the situation persists, they may have to resign to seek alternative means of livelihood.
One of them expressed their intention to switch to higher-paying corporate jobs but did not want to give up on their political career midway. Another press secretary, who has been in the position for six months, highlighted that some ministerial aides haven’t received “a single penny” this year.
“I only receive allowances when I’m on official trips; otherwise, I rely on my savings to get by, which will only sustain me until the end of the year. I genuinely enjoy this job, but if I don’t receive my salary, I may not be able to make it until December,” the press secretary said.
The informant, who disclosed this issue, also stated that they were informed the delay in salary payments was due to the Prime Minister’s yet-to-be-signed appointment letters. They further pointed out that officials from the relevant departments have shown them prepared documents for salary disbursement, awaiting Anwar’s signature.
“I don’t know why there is a delay, and I don’t know how much salary I will receive. Even the ministers themselves are unsure about the amount we will be paid,” the source added.
Another press secretary mentioned that they have sent a letter through the minister’s senior private secretary to the Public Service Department, but have not received any response to date.
Sources also revealed that the issue of unpaid salaries is not limited to press secretaries but also affects other officials in some departments. Another press secretary stated that since last year, they have not received any salary or special allowances, only being granted travel allowances.
It is worth noting that the issue of government officials not receiving salaries had occurred previously in 2018 when then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad stated that some officials had gone without salaries for four months.
