Salary increase: No excessive price hikes, Zahid says
He highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with effective inflation control and supply-demand dynamics.
KUALA LUMPUR - There should be no unreasonable increase in the cost of goods following the recent increase for civil servants, says Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking in a press conference, he highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with effective inflation control and supply-demand dynamics.
"In the context of the salary increase for civil servants, the primary concern is to ensure that this adjustment does not lead to unreasonable increases in the cost of goods.
“We must also work to curb inflation," he said at the Umno General Assembly (PAU) held at the World Trade Centre today.
Zahid said that the Umno General Assembly this year should go beyond mere demands for increases and focus on contributing ideas to strengthen the economy and restructure community resources.
"The Umno General Assembly this time must focus on what is important and how we can contribute thoughts and ideas to strengthen the economy and structure the community's resources," he said.
He noted that the government has been spending more than RM80 billion on subsidies, and these funds must be targeted effectively.
"We need to ensure that subsidies are well-targeted and that the benefits reach the intended groups. This is essential for achieving effectiveness and efficiency," he said.
Reflecting on the current economic climate, Zahid acknowledged the positive trend in Malaysia's export values and the strength of the ringgit.
"With the strength of our ringgit and the increase in export values, it is crucial that we invest in our skilled workforce.
"Premium salaries should be considered as a necessary step to align with the economic development and the adjusted salaries for public service," he said.
He added that it was important that each Umno-led ministry contributed effectively to the strength of the Madani government
"That is why yesterday I was talking about the role of Umno ministers to strengthen the Madani government with every ministry led by Umno minister and Umno deputy minister," he said.
