No Raya bonus this year as bonus tradition evolves

Focus

Focus shifts from bonus to long-term salary increase for government workers

By LIZA MOKHTAR

27 Mar 2024 09:38am

Photo for illustration purpose only. - FILE PIX

THE long-standing tradition of providing Hari Raya bonuses to civil servants and retirees persists, symbolising stability amid changing governments and prime ministers.

This year, the government has sanctioned an early 'bonus' in the form of the Early Incentive Payment for the Civil Service Salary Scheme Study.

Amounting to RM2,000 for civil servants of grade 56 and below and RM1,000 for retirees, this payment was disbursed in February.

While some have voiced concerns about the timing of the early 'bonus,' it's essential to recognise that further positive developments are on the horizon.

The government is poised to reassess the service and retirement schemes, offering hope for improved financial prospects.

Political Science lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara Kedah Firdaus Ramli acknowledged that while some civil servants may feel disappointed, most are more interested in seeing the impact of the service and retirement scheme reviews on their incomes.

"The last time the civil service scheme was reviewed was in 2013, and with the recent announcement for a review, this step is seen as necessary after considering the existing civil service salary scheme is currently at a low level and there has been no increase for quite some time.

"11 years is a long period, especially considering the country is still facing the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the Movement Control Order," he said.

He added that with the high cost of living and the economy still in the recovery phase, civil servants are eagerly anticipating the implementation of the new service and retirement scheme review, which is seen as able to increase their income.

Firdaus said that the absence of the usual Raya bonus as in previous years does not have a significant impact on civil servants' perception of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Since 2008, the varying bonus and incentive payments among civil servants at the federal and state levels, including at the local government level, have become a practice and tradition, according to the financial capabilities of each government.

"Therefore, the Prime Minister's decision regarding the absence of additional bonuses for this year's Aidilfitri celebration does not have a significant impact on civil servants' perceptions," he said.

He even stated that the amount of incentive payments this year has increased from the previous year and is paid in one go with the aim of easing the burden of preparing for children's schooling and preparations for the months of Ramadan and Syawal.

Bonus not a priority

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Political Science lecturer Dr Sharifah Nursyahidah Syed Annuar said that the tradition of giving Aidilfitri bonuses should not be a priority.

"We should not just think about the tradition of Aidilfitri bonuses alone. What needs to be examined is the increasing cost of living.

"What actions has the government taken to address the issues faced by the people every day, not only during festive days like Aidilfitri," she said.

She also added that the RM2,000 incentive paid previously is a significant amount, therefore, if the government still wants to give Aidilfitri bonuses, it must consider the government's capabilities and financial stability at this time.

"Some people consider this special financial assistance as a mandatory tradition every year, but some understand the context and know there are more critical issues such as the cost of living and rising prices of goods.

"For those who still want Aidilfitri bonuses, their support for the prime minister may decrease," she said.

She said that state governments may also offer bonus payments as a step to ease the burden of preparing for the Aidilfitri celebration among civil servants.

"However, once again, we also hope for a more robust government strategy in addressing economic issues for the coming months," she said.

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PM - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Early Incentive Payment for the Civil Service Salary Scheme Study (2024)

Civil Servants - RM2,000

Retirees - RM1,000

PM - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Special Financial Aid for Aidilfitri (BKKA) 2023

Civil Servants - RM700

Retirees - RM350

PM - Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri

BKKA 2022