KUALA LUMPUR: Civil servants must provide better services for the people in line with their salary hike through the updated Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to the Prime Minister, preliminary measures on the SSPA would be announced in the coming weeks, while the full announcement would be made during Budget 2025 in October and implemented from Dec 1.

Anwar reiterated that it would be the biggest wage increase for civil servants since the country achieved independence.

“There are two reasons for this – the country is developing but for 12 years, there has been no comprehensive study on increasing civil servants’ wages.

“Secondly, we recognise the role of civil servants. Governments and prime ministers have changed, but civil servants have professionally carried out their duties,” he said when launching the Malaysia Civil Servants Housing Programme (PPAM) in Bandar Sri Permaisuri here yesterday.

On the strengthening ringgit, Anwar attributed it to the stable government, clear policies, dedicated civil servants as well as the private sector.

“However, what is the point of the stronger ringgit and incoming investments if it is not felt by the people? Hence, I have always stressed that projects that impact the people directly should be emphasised,” he said.

Anwar said there are enough skyscrapers, so the government is no longer prioritising such projects.

“I don’t want to feel proud of Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur for having globally renowned high-rise buildings. Instead, I want the focus to be on the people,” he said.

Separately, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the high cost of living continues to be a challenge for the people.

“We do not deny that. In our Budget strategy and economic planning, we won’t put that aside,” he said.

However, Anwar said facts such as the prices of sugar and cooking oil being far cheaper than Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia should not be ignored.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the government is cutting down on expenses by holding events modestly.

“Ministers’ salaries are cut even though the civil servants’ wages are going up. Even the Prime Minister is not taking a salary.

“We want to prove that not everyone with a position just wants to swindle money.

“Salaries are one’s right, but we are firmly against corruption and leakages as these can cause rising costs,” he said.

On the PPAM, Anwar expressed gratitude to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for not only focusing on regular housing but also affordable housing for the lower and middle income groups.

“Government machinery must also work hard to resolve the very complex issue of housing,” Anwar added.

The Prime Minister also said each new housing development must have several affordable housing blocks.

“If the leadership and civil servants are strict, we can resolve many things. Don’t look at bad governance, corruption and leakages lightly as this will cause the people to suffer,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/07/work-harder-after-pay-rise