KUCHING, Dec 27: Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar opined that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government should go back to the people and ask for a new mandate considering its lackluster effort in driving the country’s development.
He was responding to the Public Service Department (PSD)’s decision to cut the Critical Service Incentive Payment (BIPK) for new government employees starting next year as part of a policy shake-up meant to tighten its annuity system.
The federal government, he pointed out, seemed to be emotional, irrational and lack of wisdom in making decision.
“The government must realise that remuneration once given could no longer be withdrawn, or it will affect the morale and motivation of the employees. Whether the government is able to look for the money is not the question, (because) it is the government responsibility.
“If the PH government could not manage the economy and develop the nation, then the best option is to go back to the people for a new mandate,” he criticised in a press statement today.
Wan Junaidi emphasised that this was not about political repercussion or whiplash of the policy review but his concern was with a government that was not being careful in decision-making which could jeopardise the country’s effort in achieving a developed nation with high income status.
“There are several critical services that drive our nation’s economy forward, enhance the social well-being of the people and to spearhead the development of the nation in every sector.
“To achieve developed nation status is not just about tall buildings and superb infrastructures, (but) it involves all round economy including politics, social, cultural and physical development as the whole,” he said.
The civil service, Wan Junaidi added was the enabler and driver that will assist the government in achieving the vision of becoming a developed nation.
He highlighted that a comprehensive study was required to answer many questions before coming up with a decision or making changes to a policy, including ratio of particular profession to the population; salary structure of the professions by considering nature of their works; the needs of the nation in various different fields and other criteria.
“The study would help to guide the government in making rational and objective decision, but it is obvious that this study was not being done.
“Can we achieve progress with a disgruntled civil service if the professionals in different levels of management and sectors are unhappy, marginalised and underpaid with excesses workload?,” he questioned.
Meanwhile, the PH administration came under heavy criticism over the PSD’s move to cut critical service allowance.
However, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has today agreed to postpone the allowance cut for civil servants in critical service pending a decision from the next Cabinet meeting expected in January next year, according to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Syed Saddiq, has in his tweet, revealed that the decision was made after the two talked about the matter.— DayakDaily
