KKB polls: Announcement of increase in civil servants' salaries contributes to victory
An analyst said other efforts made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman, to strengthen the country's economy have also boosted voters' confidence in the unity government.
SHAH ALAM - The announcement of a salary increase for civil servants is among the contributors to the shift in votes from police and military personnel in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said he believed that the government's decision on the salary increase has brought relief to civil servants after more than 10 years without a raise.
He said various other efforts by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman to strengthen the country's economy have also increased confidence among security personnel in the unity government.
"I think the shift in votes comes from security personnel gaining confidence in the unity government. They have seen the Prime Minister and the government making efforts, like meeting with foreign investors to boost investments and improve the country's economy.
"Then the government announced salary hikes for civil servants, which had not happened in over a decade. This made civil servants happy.
"The salary increase by at least 13 per cent is the right step not only to rejuvenate the civil service sector but also to appreciate the role of civil servants who are the backbone of the government machinery," he told Sinar.
Tawfik said the efforts made during this period of governance were crucial successes for the government, resulting in victory in early voting channels.
He said he expected this momentum to be maintained until the next general election.
"As long as the leadership of PH and BN is still led by the same people, I expect this momentum to continue and give an advantage to the unity government," he added.
