PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 — Salary adjustment for civil servants announced by the government is a sign of respect and recognition, but comes with high responsibility, said Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
"We have to perform to the expectation of the public. There is no free ride, everything must be based on performance," he told the press after attending the 19th edition of the Civil Service Premier Assembly (Mappa) programme today.
Themed ‘Madani Public Service’, it was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Shamsul also thanked Anwar for the recognition given to the entire government machinery, acknowledging the sacrifices made by civil servants in providing the best service.
Meanwhile, Public Service Department director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said that the civil service reform marked a turning point for civil servants to take a new approach in terms of productivity, discipline, and providing the best service to the people.
"Civil servants need to shift from the old mould to a new one. We no longer want to hear complaints from the public about the services provided by government officers at all levels," he said.
Wan Ahmad expressed confidence that all civil servants would strive to provide the best service to the nation.
Meanwhile, Auditor-General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi said the Prime Minister's concern and recognition of civil servants via the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) was highly appreciated.
"The Prime Minister's commitment to emphasising the principles of integrity and good governance in the implementation of the SSPA further reinforces the determination of the National Audit Department to ensure the continuity of a more efficient and transparent public service, thus fulfilling the Madani aspirations," she said.
Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the announcement of civil service reform was very positive, particularly regarding welfare and strategic approaches to resolving outstanding issues.
"JBPM welcomes the announcement concerning the grade elevation for SME (Subject Matter Expert) and the salary increase for Grades 41, 44, and 48, which have long remained at their current levels," he said.
Hisham added that the announcement would motivate civil servants, especially frontliners, to enhance overall performance.
Earlier, Anwar announced that the government had agreed to replace the Malaysian Remuneration System with the SSPA, effective December 1.
The SSPA embodies the spirit of civil service reform that must be implemented to realise the Malaysia Madani agenda.
There are three initiatives to make a success of this reform — increasing the productivity and efficiency of the civil service, enhancing the readiness of public servants to implement changes, and improving the nation's competitiveness.
Also announced was a 15 per cent salary adjustment to civil servants in the Implementing, Management and Professional groups, and seven per cent for those in the Top Management group.
The salary adjustment will be implemented in phases, starting from December 1 for Phase One, and from January 1, 2026, for Phase Two.
Anwar said the salary adjustment for the Implementing, Management and Professional groups will be eight per cent in Phase One and seven per cent in Phase Two, while for the Top Management will be four per cent in Phase One and three per cent in Phase Two.
— Bernama
