PETALING JAYA: The 20% pay cut for cabinet ministers will continue, while judges are set to receive a salary increase from Jan 1, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The last time judges’ salaries were increased was in 2015, and they have not received annual salary increments like other schemes. They are also prohibited from holding positions and businesses,” Anwar said during his Budget 2026 speech in Parliament on Friday (Oct 10).
Anwar acknowledged that, while the judiciary’s reputation has not been the best, it is now moving towards greater authority, integrity, and independence.
“In that spirit, the government has agreed to increase judges’ salaries by up to 30% starting Jan 1, 2026,” he said.
Meanwhile, I would like to emphasise that all cabinet members will continue to take a 20% salary cut,” he said.
He said Phase 2 of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) Phase 2 would come into effect in January 2026.





