Govt considering excluding security forces from new contract scheme for civil servants

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is studying the possibility of excluding security forces from the proposal to stop making new appointments in the civil service under the permanent and pension scheme, says Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar.

The Chief Secretary to the Government said there is a need to study such a possibility as agencies such as the police and the Armed Forces need continuity in the course of their work and tasks.

"The proposal for the new scheme would involve future appointments to the civil service and it will not affect the existing manpower.

"We will do a thorough study whether the police and the Armed Forces should be included in the new scheme. We will make a decision next year," he told a press conference after visiting Bukit Aman's Special Action Unit on Sunday (Sept 8).

Asked on the possibility of increasing the salary of police personnel, Ismail said the government is still conducting a study on the salary structure.

"We will see in terms of the government's financial capabilities.

"However, we will make improvements in terms of allowances and assets for the police from time to time," he said.

In his speech later, Ismail said the government, specifically, the Public Services Department, the Finance Ministry and the Home Ministry will discuss to come up with a good initiative in improving allowances and training for UTK (Special Action Unit) personnel.

"I am also aware of the request from the police to increase the number of UTK personnel from 409 to 888.

"We will look into the matter and see whether other improvements can also be made in terms of personnel and assets," Ismail said.

On his working visit, Ismail said he was impressed by the preparedness of the special force ahead of Malaysia hosting the Apec Summit next year.

"I am deeply impressed by the expertise of the UTK operatives and I am confident they will be able to provide ample security for heads of state, who will be coming for the summit next year.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said currently, UTK operatives receive allowances based on their years of service.

"From one to 10 years, it is RM600, followed by RM750 (11-15 years) and RM900 (16 years and above).

"We hope the government can review the allowances to ensure that it is fitting for special forces personnel, with tremendous expertise and responsibilities.

"The matter was brought up for review in 2014 but there has been no action since," he said.

The country's top cop also hoped that the number of UTK personnel could be increased while their assets improved as well.