Salary hike for civil servants vital to address low wage rates - Ledang MP

SHAH ALAM - The recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the salary increase for civil servants is crucial in addressing the low wage rates.

Ledang Member of Parliament Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said that statistically, the salary increment had only been 4.1 per cent over the past 10 years.

"When there is an increase in salary and restructuring in terms of wage rates, it means we also need to look at the gap between low and high wages.

"This disparity needs to be addressed as it affects many aspects. It's not just about increasing the wage rates to be on par with other countries, but at least giving space for those with low incomes to live.

"The problem now is that their income is insufficient and falls below the poverty line. This is a fundamental issue that needs to be raised so that we don't overly focus only on the percentage increase but also on the benefits gained and indirectly improving the productivity of the public sector," he said.

He made these remarks while being as a panellist in the Wacana 439th series titled 'Salary Increase: How Does It Affect Productivity?' broadcast live on all Sinar Harian digital platforms on Tuesday.

The programme, hosted by Ismail Adnan, also featured Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Secretary-General and economist Dr Baayah Baba as panellists.

Ibrahim added that performance evaluations of civil servants, which serve as benchmarks for salary increases, were seen as being able to provide fairness to all parties in the sector.

"But at the same time, we also need to consider critical positions that are also assets to the country. This means the country will face difficulties if they are not there.

"For example, those who hold positions in the security and health sectors need to be considered. Even though we have performance evaluations, some tasks are difficult to achieve at high levels due to safety and so on that cannot be done by just anyone.

"All factors need to be taken into account, not just in terms of performance but also the criticality of the positions when considering low wage rates," he said.