KUALA LUMPUR: The move to introduce a contract system for civil service recruitment might worry government employees and the public, says Federal Territories Bersatu state secretary Mahathir Mohd Rais (pic).
"The economy is in a tough spot, with the ringgit's value going down and GDP growth not hitting targets. This situation is tough for the rakyat. Things like higher taxes, electric bills, and cutting back on subsidies are all making life more expensive," he said.
Mahathir then said that the government has to look at how everything affects people and the economy.
"With the change to contract jobs in the government, they really need to think about how this will affect government workers and everyone else in the long run," he said.
"This kind of thing needs quick and smart action from the government," added Mahathir.
He said moving to contract jobs might lead to a less steady workforce, which could have an impact on how the civil service works and the stability of jobs for a lot of people.
Mahathir then said that the timing of changing these policies is very important.
"Since the government is still new, making big changes like this might seem too rushed. The government should make sure these changes are well planned out and think about how they will affect everyone in the long run, especially those who could be hit the hardest," he said.
He added that the government needs to listen to what the rakyat have to say, especially from those who will feel these changes the most.
Mahathir also said that the government needs to take strategic and effective steps to ensure real socio-economic recovery, adding that the government needs to put the people first in all policies it makes.
He added that balancing the need for ‘money’ and looking out for people’s welfare is the main thing in deciding where the country is headed.
"The decisions made have to put the well-being of all the rakyat first, making sure that everyone feels the benefits of what's being proposed," said Mahathir.
Recently Public Service Department director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said in a circular that the contract of service system would take effect from Feb 1.
He said the law is still being amended to allow for the creation of a new civil service recruitment method and that the new recruitment method, once implemented, would reduce the country’s fiscal burden.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi however said it will only be applicable to new hiring, and not existing employees.
