KUALA LUMPUR – The newly appointed Perlis Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Hamzah, has announced a monthly salary cut of RM3,000 for himself to help stabilise the state’s economy and support the people of Perlis.
This pay cut will also apply to each member of the State Executive Council (EXCO) who will be reshuffled and appointed in the near future.
Each Exco member will face a salary reduction of RM1,500 per month, as reported by Berita Harian.
Abu Bakar stated that this step, including the salary reductions for himself and the new Exco members, is part of his efforts to revitalise the state’s economy and improve the well-being of the people.
“I see this as necessary – we must serve the state and its people, especially when there are citizens here struggling to earn even RM500 a month. It’s a heavy burden for them, so I am voluntarily taking this pay cut so the people can see that we stand with them,” he said.
“This is one of the sacrifices we are making to advance the state, and this situation will change when our economy improves and stabilises, but we will see how things unfold,” he added.
Abu Bakar made the comments after participating in the ‘Clock-In’ session as Menteri Besar at the Perlis Menteri Besar’s office in Kompleks Seri Putra.
He made his first official clock-in by recording his fingerprint on the timekeeping machine, marking the start of his duties as Menteri Besar.
The session was attended by several key figures, including State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail, State Legal Advisor Yang Zaimey Yang Ghazali, and State Financial Officer Saharuddin Sarwan.
The Menteri Besar also pledged that his personal salary cut would continue throughout his tenure.
“This reduction is also aimed at reducing the state’s financial burden, and I believe this will help the state,” he said.
“As for the Exco members, I will ensure the salary cuts are applied to them as well. I believe a RM1,500 reduction won’t be a problem for them.”
Abu Bakar outlined his administration’s approach moving forward, which will be based on the 3B concept: Bangkit (Rise), Bingkas (Be Swift), and Buat (Do).
“We must rise from our comfort zones and rebuild a progressive work spirit that will be the key to the state’s success. We need to be brave enough to change and adapt to current challenges,” he explained.
“Secondly, Bingkas means we must carry out the powers entrusted to us efficiently, quickly, and with integrity, making decisions based on facts and the welfare of the people.”
“Finally, Buat, which means we must act proactively with the resources we have. Constraints should not be an excuse for not fulfilling our duties but a motivation to work more creatively and effectively. We must work in our own way, with the goal of achieving a prosperous Perlis,” he said.
The Menteri Besar also emphasised that this approach aims to transform the work culture within Perlis’ state departments, making them more proactive, competitive, and results-oriented, as civil servants are the backbone of the state administration and key strategic partners in realising the development agenda of both the state and the nation. – December 29, 2025