PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the Public Service Department (PSD) to continue discussions with the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) on the public service remuneration system in response to the rising cost of living.
Cuepacs president Datuk Adnan Mat said he was informed of the matter during a courtesy call on newly appointed PSD director-general, Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed, today.
Adnan said Cuepacs was told the prime minister had a plan on the matter to ensure civil servants had a comfortable amount of disposable income and remain committed to carrying out their duties.
"Cuepacs appreciates the prime minister's concern for the salaries and wages of civil servants, which in his view does not commensurate with their level of work and commitment."
He said the call for the government to re-evaluate the salaries and wages of civil servants was reasonable as the cost of living had risen drastically.
"The prime minister's pledge to relook the public service remuneration system when the country's finances improve has given hope to 1.6 million civil servants."
He said Cuepacs called on all civil servants to be patient as the government sought a solution to the issues.
He said Cuepacs was confident the leadership of Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Zulkapli would bring the voices and aspirations of civil servants to the government.
He said their openness to hearing Cuepacs' views and suggestions during every engagement session was very much appreciated.
"Cuepacs is also hoping that the chief secretary to the government and the PSD director-general will continue negotiating with the government to find the best solutions to the civil servants salaries and wages issue in view of the rising cost of living."
