THE government’s announcement of a salary increases of up to 35% in 2007 for civil servants only involved the lowest grade, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would increase the remuneration of civil servants by more than 13% this year, describing it as the highest ever increment given to civil servants.
Social media users, however, pointed out that in 2007, then prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced a pay rise of between 7.5% and 35% for the country’s one million-plus government employees.
“For those spreading news about the 35% increase in 2007 (being the highest)… They only read the headlines,” said Fahmi
“The 35% increase at that time only referred to the civil servants in the lowest grade,” he said, adding that the 7.5% salary increase was applicable to the highest ranking civil servants.
“If you want to compare, that’s the context. The 35% increase (at that time) is only part of the full story.
“The figure mentioned by the prime minister today is higher than the 13% increase announced in 2012, the last time the public service remuneration system (SSPA) was reviewed.
“Anyway, starting from December 1, civil servants will receive higher salaries,” added the PH communications director.
Earlier today, Anwar said civil servants’ minimum income would exceed RM2,000 per month under the soon-to-be-finalised SSPA.
The current minimum income for civil servants, including salaries and fixed allowances, is RM1,795 per month.
He said that those in the lower-income group may see their salary increase by up to 25% or 30%, adding that the Cabinet would fine-tune the details before making a decision.
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