Cuepacs should understand govt's financial constraints, says DPM

DUNGUN - The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) is urged to understand the financial constraints faced by the government.

In saying this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi added that despite the constraints faced, the government has always strived to meet the expectations and requests of civil servants.

"The payment of emoluments and pensions that must be paid is a fixed cost the government has to bear.

"I think Cuepacs, as an organisation that looks after the interests of civil servants, will understand such a situation.

"In my opinion, the prime minister has been aware of the requests of civil servants, including giving a special bonus of RM700 and RM350 for retirees for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration," he said.

Zahid told reporters during a work visit to the Central Terengganu Development Authority's (Ketengah) headquarters in Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah, Dungun, on Saturday.

Cuepacs previously expressed disappointment over Budget 2023, which claimed to be unable to solve the cost of living issue faced by civil servants.

Its president, Datuk Adnan Mat, said there is no commitment given by the government to re-evaluate the new public service remuneration system through a salary and wage model that could increase the income for civil servants.

"The salary and wage factor is an urgent matter at the moment because the current rate is seen as no longer relevant with the cost of living, which has risen, especially involving basic needs such as food, health, and housing.

"Civil servants are currently expecting a new salary system as the current civil salary system has not been studied since November 2002 and is no longer in line with the current economic environment," he said in a statement.