Confusion has emerged over the donation of federal cabinet members’ salaries to flood victims after conflicting notifications were issued by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finance Division. The contradictory directives created uncertainty about whether ministers’ one-month salaries would indeed be deducted for relief efforts. This development has sparked debate about clarity in government communication and its impact on urgent relief measures for flood-affected citizens.
The Finance Division issued a notification suggesting the withdrawal of the earlier directive that required federal cabinet members to donate their one-month salaries. However, another notification from the same division directed that senior bureaucrats from Grade 19 to 22 would contribute one day’s salary for flood relief. These conflicting statements have fueled confusion among the public and officials regarding the actual implementation of the announced measures.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that the decision to donate one month’s salary by ministers had not been withdrawn. Officials stated that the cabinet members’ salaries would be deducted through a separate notification issued by the Cabinet Division. This clarification confirmed that the Prime Minister’s directive remains intact and the pledged donations would be delivered to support flood-affected families.
The Cabinet Division notification further explained that the Prime Minister instructed all federal ministers, ministers of state, advisers, and special assistants to donate their one-month salaries to the flood relief fund. This reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting victims despite contradictory signals from the Finance Division. Officials insisted that the donations would proceed as announced and would not be reversed.
A senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office explained that the apparent contradiction arose because the Finance Division oversees bureaucrats’ salaries, while the Cabinet Division manages ministers’ salaries and benefits. This division of responsibilities led to mixed signals, but the actual directive for ministers to donate remains valid. The official assured that ministers’ salaries would be deducted and transferred to the relief fund without delay.
Additionally, the Finance Division clarified in another notification that donations would be calculated based on gross salaries and allowances before any deductions. It added that these donations would not be treated as taxable income for officers and officials. This clarification aimed to ensure transparency and consistency in the process of collecting contributions for flood relief.