KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to forgo his salary aligns with Islamic teachings, as per PKR Religious Understanding and Strengthening Department (JPPA) director Amidi Abdul Manan. Amidi stated that questioning Anwar’s sincerity reflects a holier-than-thou attitude and an attempt to assume superior knowledge.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amidi clarified that the Prime Minister’s decision is driven by Malaysia’s economic condition and significant debt burden. Anwar’s intentions, as explained by Amidi, are to allow the country to conserve resources to benefit its citizens. The statement was made in response to remarks from PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who suggested that Anwar’s actions were an attempt to appear more pious than the Prophet Muhammad.

Amidi countered Abdul Hadi’s criticism by emphasizing that the Prime Minister’s actions are consistent with Islamic teachings. He noted that many religious scholars agree that it is permissible for an employee to de
cline a salary for a specific purpose. Amidi also highlighted that not taking a salary can be viewed as an act of charity if certain conditions are fulfilled, whether as a charitable act for others or towards the employer.