Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced A pay rise for more than 13% of civil servants—among the highest in Malaysian history.
The increase will go into effect on December 1st, 2018.
The last time the salary of civil servants was changed was twelve years ago, and the biggest increase previously experienced was thirteen percent.
“This increase will cost the government more than RM10 billion. The amount is big, and this is a decent increase. Among the best in history… it is because of the Madani government.”
During the Labor Day event at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, the prime minister stated what was mandated.
The finance minister, Anwar, also declared that civil servants overall basic wage must exceed RM2,000.
“Currently, the overall minimum pay, which includes their salary and fixed allowance, is RM1,795 per month.
“I agree that this is unreasonable. Under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), the government will increase the salary to ensure that the minimum pay for civil servants will exceed RM2,000 per month.”
According to Anwar, the governments of Sarawak and Sabah have decided to update their ordinances to comply with the Employment Act 1955, which is in effect throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
A bill to change the Sabah and Sarawak labor ordinances will be presented in the upcoming legislative session.
Anwar, meanwhile, stated that laborers shouldn’t be treated like “semi-slaves” but somewhat decently.
“Because of unbridled capitalism, companies only think about their profits and not about humanity or the environment. Workers are being oppressed and treated like semi-slaves.
“That is why this day (Labour Day) is important. It is a day when employees fight for their rights. Because of this, we see the establishment of trade unions that become effective spokespeople to defend workers’ rights.
“If you talk about the Madani concept, you are talking about courtesy, humanity. We believe that all people, whether cleaners, clerks, cooks, are all equally important to generate economic growth,” he added.
Additionally, Anwar exhorted employees to resist any attempt by any group to discredit or undermine someone.
Acts that violate someone’s rights or disparage their ethnicity or religion, according to him, should never be accepted.
“I ask for your understanding. If there is anyone out there who tries to pit us against each other or degrade anyone, rise and fight with all your might.
“This (our harmony) is our strength. The people of Malaysia have to be recognized as a nation that understands and respects one another.”
Anwar’s deputies, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, together with other cabinet members and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, attended the national Labor Day event.
Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, the Chief Secretary to the Government, Datuk Seri Dr. Adnan Mat, the President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services, and Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman, the President of the Malaysian Employers Federation were also present.
