No increment if you are sluggish, PM warns civil servants

The Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) was designed not only to introduce reforms and increase the disposable income of civil servants but is also a performance-based remuneration system, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the SSPA will benefit civil servants who excel in delivering services to the public, while those who do not perform adequately will face appropriate action.

"Rewards will only be given to civil servants who demonstrate loyalty and provide excellent service. For those who neglect their duties, are careless, or lazy, I want to make it clear that they will not receive such treatment or rewards.

“If you are sluggish, lazy and careless, even if you have worked for 20 years, an increase in income will not be guaranteed," he said to thunderous applause from more than 3,000 civil servants who filled the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Anwar said this in his speech at the 19th edition of Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MPPA XIX) 2024 programme today.

In terms of optimising resources and increasing productivity, Anwar said the government has agreed on several matters, including raising the minimum entry qualification into the public service to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or its equivalent.

He said this means the existing workload and task complexity will also be increased, which will indirectly encourage multitasking and multi-skilling among officers.

Anwar also wants service systems with irrelevant, overlapping or isolated functions to be transferred to other service schemes, as this will provide better career pathways and broader mobility for incumbents.

"We have inherited 60 years of history, and sometimes we continue to maintain departments and agencies that are no longer relevant. For example, schemes for locomotive drivers, hostel managers, wireless operators and makeup artists are still being maintained.

"Therefore, these matters must be standardised, not to eliminate existing staff but to streamline and prevent wastefulness. This is what is meant by changes based on the current needs of the public service," he said.

Review and audit

Anwar also said the terms of appointment for 17 service schemes will be amended to attract the best talents to serve in the public service, in line with the evolution of technology and current education policies.

"We are conducting a review of the overlapping structures and functions of ministries and agencies, focusing on two main areas: entrepreneurship and national security, which is expected to be completed by July 2025," he said.

He also wants the Public Service Department to conduct a comprehensive audit of positions to identify any imbalances in job placements that may exist across ministries and agencies.

Further alignment actions should then be taken to ensure that the workload is fair, considering the complexity and scope of duties assigned to each unit or division within the ministry or agency.

Additionally, Anwar said that under the Rationalisation of Malaysian Government Representative Offices and Agencies Abroad, overseas offices of agencies and ministries such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority will be consolidated under one roof.

He said this measure, which will take effect on Jan 1 next year, aims to save costs and optimise operational expenses.

"I want these reforms to be taken seriously. The Public Service Department and the Finance Ministry need to implement these measures, and I no longer want to hear any opposition, absurd justifications, stubbornness or rigid 'sense of ownership' that would jeopardise this implementation," he said.

- Bernama

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