Civil servant pay rise: Election ploy or long-overdue recognition?

SHAH ALAM - The timing of the announced salary increase for civil servants just before the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election has sparked debate about its true motivation.

Economist and O2 Head Researcher Anis Anwar suggested the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be seen as a strategic move to influence the by-election.

"While the raise itself is welcome, its proximity to the KKB vote raises questions about sincerity.

"The timing might undermine the perception of the increase as genuine appreciation for civil service, potentially painting it as a calculated attempt to secure votes," he told Sinar Daily.

He further warned that such tactics could breed cynicism among voters and the public, eroding trust in the government's fiscal decisions.

However, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam offered a different perspective.

He believes the announcement is unrelated to the by-election, coinciding more with Labour Day.

"The salary increase is likely overdue.

"The compensation for civil servants hasn't been adjusted for a significant period," he argued.

He stressed that controlling inflation should be the government's top priority after the raise.

"The 'feel-good factor' for civil servants could be offset by a negative perception if prices rise uncontrollably," he said.

Anwar announced a more than 13 per cent increase in civil servants' remuneration, among the highest in Malaysia's history.

The increase will be effective Dec 1 this year.

The last time the civil servants' salaries were revised was 12 years ago.