SEREMBAN, July 11 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the government will conduct a comprehensive review of the public service salary scheme across the country. The decision comes after a long period without any salary increases since the last review in 2013. The matter will be brought up for discussion in the Cabinet meeting next week. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the aim of the review is to address the existing financial constraints while considering the low wages and salaries of civil servants.
He acknowledged that the salaries are currently at a low level and emphasized the importance of finding ways to make necessary changes within the budgetary limitations. Speaking to reporters after attending the Prime Minister’s Mandate Ceremony for Negeri Sembilan Civil Servants, Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the need for a study team to be formed to begin the review process. The Director General of Public Services, Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed, and the Chief Secretary, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, have provided their views on the matter.
While the specific percentage of salary increase is yet to be determined, Anwar Ibrahim expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the salaries are commensurate with the work done by civil servants. He acknowledged the additional efforts put in by civil servants, including working overtime, and emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions. In addition to the salary review, the Prime Minister announced an allocation of an additional RM200 million for the repair and maintenance of homes belonging to members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) throughout the country.
He acknowledged the poor condition of military housing and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving it. An additional allocation for police housing will also be announced soon. In the previous Budget 2023 presentation, the government had already allocated over RM500 million for the maintenance of ATM Family Houses and the rehabilitation of residential quarters and institutions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the Royal Malaysian Police.
The comprehensive review of the public service salary scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of civil servants and ensuring fair compensation for their work. The forthcoming discussions in the Cabinet meeting will pave the way for necessary changes that prioritize the well-being and financial stability of civil servants.
