Do not question salary hike proposal for armed forces, says Anwar

IPOH: The people need to show their appreciation to the police and armed forces for their sacrifices and not question the proposed salary hike for them, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the police and armed forces personnel have a big responsibility in defending the country and to ensure the country’s security.

"Even when we have accumulated huge debts, we have a responsibility to the police and the armed forces.

"The Opposition have questioned the Public Service Salary System (review) and the huge increase for them (police and armed forces)," he said when met after a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Kem Sultan Nazrin Shah 69 Komando in Ulu Kinta.

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"It will be the biggest increase in history, as all salaries will go up.

"For those in the lower income category, they will get a big jump because their salaries are too low," he said, adding those earning about RM1,500 can expect a hike to RM2,000.

Anwar had during the launch of the national-level Labour Day celebrations in Putrajaya earlier this week announced a pay hike of over 13% for civil servants.

He said that civil servants will take home a minimum overall monthly income of RM2,000 under the revamped Public Service Remuneration System, with a new salary scheme to take effect in December this year.

Anwar said he believes that the government can cope with the increased cost due to the salary hike.

"For next year, there will be an additional cost of RM10bil and it is expected to increase further in the next few years.

"The government will have to bear this additional cost," he said, adding that multiple international companies, like Saudi Aramco and Microsoft Corp, are investing billions in the country.

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"With discipline, we can prevent leakage and corruption, which will allow us to have a better economy. This is my resolve.

"I believe in the coming years, Malaysia will be a great and respected nation in the region," he added.

Earlier, Anwar and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail witnessed the handover ceremony of Kem Sultan Nazrin Shah 69 Komando between Home Ministry development department secretary Ahmad Fuad Apandi and Police Inspector-General Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The training centre for police commandos began its construction in 2018 and cost about RM236mil.