Editor’s note: Corrected details for bonuses given to Sarawak civil servants in 2019 and 2020.
By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 9: In the 2021 State Budget tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today, there was no mention of bonuses for the state’s civil servants.
In 2019 and 2020, Sarawak’s civil service employees were given two months’ bonuses with a minimum of RM2,000 for those on the lowest scale.
In his budget speech today, Abang Johari stressed the importance of practising financial prudence and discipline amid the worsening Covid-19 crisis.
He added that due to Sarawak’s cautious financial management, it has recorded a healthy financial standing in the last 18 consecutive years.
Thus, Sarawak has been able to keep its reserve of more than RM30 billion untouched.
“I am honoured to mention here that the state’s 2019 financial account has earned the state a Clean Bill of Health for the 18th consecutive year.
“This is a clear indication of the state’s continuous sound financial management in exercising financial prudence and discipline at all levels,” he said when tabling Supply (2021) Bill, 2020 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Since Covid-19 surfaced in the state in March 2020, the state, however, has spent RM2.55 billion in allocations that benefitted all strata of society under Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0.
Under the State Budget 2021 announced earlier today, some RM3.832 billion was allocated for operating expenditure in Sarawak.
“The proposed operating expenditure in 2021 consists of RM874 million for personnel emoluments, RM1.269 billion for supplies and services, RM1.295 million for grants and fixed payments, RM73 million for the procurement of assets, and RM321 million for other operating expenses,” revealed Abang Johari.
Reliable sources including Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, however, revealed today that Abang Johari might announce the bonus and its quantum during his winding-up speech this Friday (Nov 13). — DayakDaily
