Mutharika Defers Proposed Salary Hike

Mutharika Defers Proposed Salary Hike

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) says President Peter Mutharika, has deferred implementation of his proposed salary increment and that of the Vice President, Right Honourable Saulos Klaus Chilima, until the country’s economy recovers.

President Mutharika defers Pay Hike

“The OPC wishes to further advise that while the proposed salary increase may be justified, the President has decided to forego the increase at this time.

The President made this decision in solidarity with Malawians, who are presently undergoing very tough economic hardship.” Reads the statement dated 6^th December 

The statement says “President assures the Nation that he has people’s best interest at heart and he fully appreciates the suffering that ordinary Malawians are going through as a result of the suspension of aid by the country’s bilateral donors due to massive looting of public resources (Cashgate) at Capital Hill.”

“President Mutharika and his Government pledge to continue working tirelessly to bring the confidence of the country’s development partners back into the economy and improve the living standards of ordinary Malawians.” Says the statement signed by George Mkondiwa Chief Secretary to the government

The new salary structure was implemented from October 1, 2014, and in line with the 2014/2015 budget.

The president’s salary which remained unchanged since 2009, has 80% increment, meaning Mutharika would have been pocketing K2.7 million per month from MK1.5 million while his vice president Chilima would have been getting K1.8 million per month in addition to fuel coupons amounting to 1500 litres and will remain getting K1 million.

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera
MCP & Leader of Opposition
will also benefit from the effect
of the pay hike

 Leader of Opposition, Lazarous Chakwera whose salary is pegged at that of the cabinet ministers will together with the Ministers be getting K1 608 million K600 000 per month a 168% rise. Will also be getting fuel coupons of 1 000 litres per month and K350 000 as housing allowance.

Deputy Minister’s salaries have been raised to K800 000 from K428 000, representing 87 percent with fuel coupon of 1 000 litres and will be paid K250 000 if they are not living in a government house per month.

The parliamentarians will be getting K600 000 per month from K126 000, a 376% increment in addition to 1 000 litres of fuel per month and K350 000 as housing allowance.