I disagree with the letter that Civil servants productivity tied to wages .

If it is true that presently civil servants are paid 1970 salaries, why is it that there are still so many applicants for government positions especially for those in the customs and immigration departments? Are the applicants ignorant of the fact that the private sector pays better than the government?

Another reason why civil servants do not deserve a raise is that they have a 'job-for-life' more or less in that they cannot be sacked for underperforming. They are merely overlooked for promotions, that's all.

So what is the incentive for performing when there's no fear of termination? Underperformers get to stay and the departments continue to hire new blood. The conclusion? Too many staff doing the same job.

This culture is here to stay no matter how much increments are given. Until the government decides to revamp the system, I do not see any major improvements in the civil servants' service and attitude.