Anwar confident Parliament will approve public service salary hike

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is confident that Parliament will approve the public service salary hike of more than 13 percent when it is tabled in the 2025 budget this October.

He said the leaders of component parties in the coalition government, including Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, have given their full support for the salary increase to be implemented from Dec 1.

“Civil servants, in general, welcome the announcement, but we also hear several statements questioning the date of implementation (on Dec 1), saying the Parliament may or may not approve it.

“I would like to know if there is an MP who would oppose the increase. If there is let’s drop him in the next general election,” he said at the Home Ministry’s Aidifitri celebration in Putrajaya today.

Anwar said the salary increase was announced yesterday, with details to be discussed at the Civil Service Perdana Programme later, and the full announcement will be made during the tabling of Budget 2025.

He said the Public Service Department has also been instructed to engage with civil servants in each state to discuss if adjustments were necessary.

The prime minister also rapped certain parties who criticised the salary increase without considering the heavier responsibilities shouldered and the dedication shown by the civil servants.

“There has been no increase over the past 12 years, so now we approved it. For the critics, listen carefully. You want a high salary, and receive a high salary, but you oppose this increase (for civil servants). You expect them to work tirelessly for low wages. This is ridiculous and unacceptable.

“Don’t be arrogant or envious. Just because you don’t welcome it doesn’t mean you have to criticise it,” he said.

Anwar also stressed that the announcement of the salary increase had nothing to do with the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election because the decision was made long before incumbent Lee Kee Hiong passed away on March 21.

- Bernama