Govt to study if extra salary increment viable
JOHOR BARU: The additional salary increment for civil servants promised by the previous government will be studied first to determine whether it is financially viable, says Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar.
The study, he said, would take into account the country’s current financial situation.
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 take into account the country’s financial standing,” he said.
He was speaking after attending a dialogue session with Johor civil servants at the Persada International Convention Centre (Persada) here yesterday.
Present was Johor State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani.
Ismail said he would 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 loyal friends 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 the year.
Ismail said the government would also conduct a study on downsizing the numerous departments, which had overlapping functions.
He said the study was 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 manpower according to needs,” said Ismail.
In his speech, Ismail said government departments and agencies should not hesitate to cancel programmes which were of little benefit.
“The government will review the programmes to assess their suitability and see what is needed.
“Don’t be afraid to cancel these programmes just because we have become used to it when in fact they bring little impact,” he said.