PETALING JAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, has not taken his royal allowance since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
At a press conference today, Anwar said Sultan Abdullah had instead donated the funds in view of the country’s economic situation and the struggles of the people during the pandemic.
Under the Istana Negara (Royal Allowances) Act 1982, the Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong are entitled to allowances.
Anwar said he felt it was important to explain that Sultan Abdullah has been forgoing his salary even before his appointment as the prime minister.
Earlier this month, Anwar said the Cabinet had agreed to take a 20% pay cut.
Anwar, who is not taking the prime minister’s and finance minister’s salaries, has said this will continue until the economy has fully recovered, after which the pay cut will be reviewed.
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.