Kazakh Official Calls Salary Secrecy 'Philosophical' in On-Camera Interview

Kazakhstan's Samruk-Kazyna Head Calls Salary Secrecy a 'Philosophical' Issue NUR-SULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN – June 9, 2025 – The head of Kazakhstan's Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, Naurlan Zhakupov, recently declined to disclose details about employee salaries and bonuses, calling the question "philosophical." The statement was made during a brief interview captured on video and shared online. In the interview, Mr. Zhakupov explained that corporate standards and legal restrictions prevent the release of this financial information. He stated, "The question is philosophical. We have corporate standards, contracts, and a legal framework. Within our legal limitations, we don't have the right to disclose information about our compensation, bonuses, or salaries." The video shows Zhakupov speaking directly to a reporter. The lack of transparency has sparked debate online. While the public remains curious about the financial details, the video highlights the complexities of information disclosure within state-owned enterprises.