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No additional salary increment for civil servants just yet

JOHOR BAHRU: The additional salary increment for civil servants promised by the previous government will be studied first to determine whether it is financially viable or otherwise, says Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar.

The study, he said, will take into account the country’s current financial situation.

Asked on the time frame needed for the study, Ismail said it would take between one and two years.

“We will conduct a study on whether this (salary increment) will go on or otherwise. We have to also take into account the country’s financial standing,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a dialogue session with Johor civil servants at the Persada International Convention Centre (PERSADA) here on Sunday.

Also present was Johor state secretary, Datuk Azmi Rohani.

Ismail said he will first review the details of the promise made by the previous administration.

“I will review the matter and raise it with the decision-makers.

“I cannot comment much on it now, but based on the country’s financial situation and its high debt level, this (study) has to be carried out,” he said.

In April, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was also finance minister, had announced an additional increment for 1.6 million civil servants effective July.

The additional increment, said Najib, was in appreciation of the service and sacrifice of civil servants as the loyal friend of the government and the increment would involve RM1.46 billion.

The award means civil servants will get an additional salary increment on top of the annual increment received for 2018.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the government will also conduct a study on downsizing the numerous departments which have overlapping functions.

He said the study is expected to continue up to the first quarter of next year.

“After the restructuring is completed, we will enter phase two to examine agencies with overlapping functions. We will look at reducing according to needs,” said Ismail.

In his speech, Ismail said government departments and agencies should not hesitate to cancel programmes which are of little benefit.

“The government will review these programmes to assess their suitability and see what is needed or otherwise.

“Don’t be afraid to cancel these programmes just because we have gotten used to it when in fact, they bring little impact,” he said.

Source: NST