PERIKATAN Nasional chairperson Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin expressed his disagreement with the unity government’s decision to recruit new civil servants through a contract appointment system.
The former prime minister argued that the focus should be on boosting the country’s revenue through increased investment and economic growth rather than implementing a system that may affect the backbone of the state’s capacity.
“Civil servants are the backbone of the state’s capacity which proves to be important when the country faces a crisis. That is why Malaysia became one of the earliest countries to get out of the COVID-19 epidemic,” he claimed in a statement last night (Jan 24).
The Pagoh MP also emphasised the importance of careful implementation of any new policy related to the appointment of public officials to avoid disruptions in the public service sector.
“The issue of civil servant pension payments that increase the country’s fiscal responsibility has been ongoing for a long time and requires a thorough solution.”
Muhyiddin highlighted that a significant portion of the country’s 1.6 million civil servants belong to critical sectors such as security, healthcare and education. Imagining a shortage in these essential areas, he warned that decisions made in Putrajaya might not be implemented comprehensively and effectively throughout the country.
“Imagine if we lack doctors, nurses, police, soldiers, teachers, law enforcers, civil defence personnel and other related departments. Every decision and move decided in Putrajaya may not necessarily be implemented comprehensively and effectively throughout the country.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the recruitment of civil servants on a contractual basis is a temporary measure pending cabinet approval of a new policy for non-pensionable permanent employment.
The Bagan Datuk MP assured existing civil servants that they would receive their pensions upon completing their service.
He explained that the shift is part of a broader move away from traditional pensions, with contribution rates aligning with those in the private sector for schemes like the Employee Provident Fund and Social Security Organisation.
Furthermore, the Barisan Nasional chairman clarified that the long-term approach is to implement the new system for newly appointed civil servants, while existing ones will continue with the current system including pension benefits.
“Therefore, the long-term approach is to implement this new system for newly appointed civil servants, while the existing ones will continue with the current system, which includes pension benefits.
“The announcement of specific dates for the implementation will be made by Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and it is expected to take effect this year.”
The move is aimed at addressing the projected RM120 bil liability for pension payments by 2040 if the current hiring policy persists. – Jan 25, 2023