KUCHING, Feb 13: There is no need for a race-based quota system in the civil service if hiring is based on merit, says Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy chairman Abun Sui Anyit.
Abun Sui opined one of the ways to overcome the racial imbalance in government departments is to introduce selection panels for civil servants and promotions consist of members of various races.
“This can correct the imbalance provided that the decision-makers in the recruitment and promotion of civil servants really implement the government’s policy either according to quota or according to merit,” he said in a statement today.
He pointed out that there have been many complaints of capable individuals with excellent exam results being dismissed by the interviewer when applying for government jobs.
He said there are also a possibility that a few decision-making panels are biased in selecting and appointing new employees in the government.
“This includes the practise of giving promotions until the racial breakdown of government employees appears unbalanced,” said Abun.
On Feb 10, in welcoming the suggestion by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to improve the salary scheme for Sarawak’s civil servants, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi recommended the Sarawak government establish a race-based quota system at the recruitment level. — DayakDaily
