By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 2: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg explained today that the Sarawak government is unable to give a bonus to serving federal civil servants due to policy matters.
He said, even though he would like to also give to them, he has to abide by the general policy.
“I heard the comments and requests regarding the bonus on the two months’ bonus we are giving to our state civil servants, which was also highlighted by your president in his speech just now.
“Actually, I wish I could. But I can’t (give the bonus). This is due to the difference in policy between the federal and the Sarawak governments (on the matter). And if I give you all, then those from other states will also be asking. So, I’m sorry, I can’t,” Abang Johari said in his speech at the official opening of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Sarawak branch headquarters, along Jalan Bampfylde here today.
Earlier in his speech, Sarawak Cuepecs president Ahmad Malie requested the state government to consider giving a similar bonus to its members.
During his winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly on Nov 13, the Chief Minister had announced two months’ bonus or a minimum of RM2,000 for state civil servants.
The bonus will benefit some 16,000 state civil servants. This is the second year in a row that the Sarawak government has given the state civil service a two-month bonus.
Abang Johari had said that the state government recognised the support and contribution of the Sarawak civil service in implementing state policies and delivering development projects and public services to the people.
He said he gave the two months’ bonus to appreciate their hard work in assisting the state government
to implement people-centric projects or “projek rakyat” which were mostly on track.
Abang Johari added there were those especially at the district offices who had worked extra hard in ensuring the completion of these projects
The Chief Minister however noted that there was room for improvement in service delivery and called on civil servants to meet the people’s rising expectations.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has announced during Budget 2020 that federal civil servants will receive a RM500 special aid pay-out by year, the same amount they got this year. It will benefit those in Grade 56 and below. Pensioners will also get RM250 just as they did this year. — DayakDaily
