By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 16: The Sarawak government will implement a pay raise for its civil servants in two phases, following the lead of the Federal government’s earlier announcement.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that the Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim has earlier announced that the salary increase for civil servants will be rolled out on Dec 1, 2024 for the first phase and on Jan 1, 2026, for the second phase.
“We will follow suit although there are two tranches; the first phase will be done this year and the second phase in 2026.
“We will study the quantum (used by the Federal government),” he said during a press conference held at the Indoor Stadium, Petra Jaya here today.
Abang Johari who is also Sarawak’s finance minister added that the Sarawak government is currently studying the salary increase of her civil servants.
“We will calculate (pay raise) based on the announcement by the prime minister.
“The State’s pay raise will at least be equivalent or slightly better compared to the Federal government’s. However, we will revise it based on our ability,” he added.
At the same time, he opined that instead of using the public service pension scheme, the appointment of contribution-based positions (Jawatan Berasaskan Caruman or JBC) is a more appropriate approach.
“We will also look in terms of medical expenses. Maybe, we still have to bear the medical expenses by contributing to the service scheme like EPF.
“Secondly, the civil servants could seek career opportunities elsewhere through the new scheme.
“If we use pension scheme, they will lose the pension when moving to a new job below the age of 45. If we use EPF, the contributions will continue and may increase due to working experience,” he emphasised.
He further cited Singapore where the civil servants are young because the senior civil servants are mostly moving to the private sector.
Despite that, he said the senior workers did not lose their pension because they are using the Central Provident Fund (CPF) while the young workers have the opportunity to be promoted to higher roles.
“If we use pension scheme, the younger people will not be able to have as much chance to be promoted until they become old,” he stated. — DayakDaily
