PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet ministers have agreed to a 20% pay cut until Malaysia reaches economic recovery, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this was part of their gesture in acknowledging the tough times faced by many people currently.

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"The pay cut will be implemented as long as Malaysia continues to recover economically.

"It shows that the ministers are also concerned about the livelihood of the public," he told the press here on Monday (Dec 5).

When asked if the pay cut would be carried out throughout the government's five-year tenure, he simply said that it could range from three to five years, depending on the situation.

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He also clarified that he would not be taking any salary as Finance Minister as there was only one salary given to a minister.

Anwar was responding to certain quarters who claimed that he would still draw a salary as Finance Minister despite declining pay for the prime minister’s post.

"This is not true, there is only one salary," he said.

After Anwar was appointed as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister, he announced that he would not be taking any salary.