Govt to streamline promotions for low-grade civil servants

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the initiative targets approximately 125,000 clerical and administrative assistants.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the revamped promotion mechanism for civil servants is being finalised by the public services department.

PUTRAJAYA:

 The government is streamlining promotion pathways for approximately 125,000 low-grade civil servants, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today.

He said the public services department (JPA) had been tasked with developing a clearer and more structured grade advancement mechanism, such as step-by-step promotions from Grade 1 to Grade 5.

The initiative specifically targets clerical and administrative assistants, who occupy the lowest ranks in the civil service.

“We agree that civil servants at the lowest level need focused attention to improve their standing.

“At the same time, this ensures that the welfare of our frontline workforce is protected,” he said at a domestic trade and cost of living staff assembly here today.

Anwar said the promotion pathways were being designed with reasonable requirements, including eligible service periods and participation in specialised courses aimed at enhancing skills.

The courses are expected to last two to three weeks, providing additional exposure in areas such as information technology and productivity improvement.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said JPA was working to finalise the mechanism.

“If implemented as planned, around 125,000 staff in the relevant categories will undergo the courses within six months, before promotions can take effect by Jan 1 next year,” he added.