THE Government’s decision to introduce several cost-cutting measures for civil servants has been welcomed by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (Cuepacs) – albeit with caution.
“Cuepacs welcomes this move as it is an example of ‘leading by example’, where the Government encourages its citizens to be frugal in spending,” the group’s president Adnan Mat said in a statement today.
“The move reflects the seriousness of the government in tackling the rising cost of living and inflation alongside the people,” he added.
However, Adnan said several matters must be re-looked at. If not, it may affect the public service delivery system and civil servants, causing them to be ridiculed by taxpayers as a result.
For instance, there are currently many vacancies in the civil service that have yet to be filled, according to Adnan.
“If (the country’s coffers are) tightened, Cuepacs worries that many departments will be affected, including important sectors like health, safety or direct services to the people.
“Cuepacs will not tolerate it if savings or budget cuts involve important matters or affect the public service delivery system,” Adnan warned.
“However, the other matters touched upon by the guidelines are appropriate and action will need to be taken by all civil servants, including heads of departments, to ensure its success.”
Adnan also expressed hope that the implementation of the guidelines would not affect the implementation of initiatives for civil servants under Budget 2022, such as the yet-to-be-implemented increase in leave replacement cash award from 75 to 80 days.
On Thursday (14 July), the Treasury Department issued a circular announcing the new measures, citing the rising cost of goods and global inflation as reasons for doing so.
Among key measures announced is a limit on officials traveling with high-ranking government officials, including ministers and deputy ministers, during overseas travels, and a cap on the number of times these officials can travel overseas as well.
Online courses will be prioritised from now on instead of in-person overseas courses, and new positions or inter-ministry transfers will be disallowed – unless they involve critical services, which must still be limited to a needs-only basis. – July 16, 2022
