PM: Govt can cope with hike

Investments will offset increased cost from civil servants’ salary

IPOH: The government can cope with the increased cost from the salary hike for civil servants, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the “billions” of investment from multiple international companies into the country would help with the increased cost.

He said Microsoft would be investing RM10.5bil while Saudi Aramco would also invest about RM10bil with PETRONAS.

“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,” Anwar said at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Kem Sultan Nazrin Shah 69 Komando in Ulu Kinta yesterday.

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

“I believe that in the coming years, Malaysia will be a great and respected nation in the region.”

During the launch of the national-level Labour Day celebrations in Putrajaya on May 1, Anwar announced a pay hike of over 13% for civil servants.

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

Warm reception: Anwar getting a hug from a young girl during the World Firefighters’ Day celebration at Ulu Kinta in Tambun. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

Anwar also said the people needed to show their appreciation to the police and the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and not question the proposed salary hike for them.

“Even when we have inherited a huge debt, we have a responsibility to the police and the Armed Forces. The Opposition have questioned the salary review and the huge increment.

“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 that those earning about RM1,500 could expect a hike to RM2,000.

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 Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

Costing about RM236mil, construction for the training centre for police commandos began in 2018.

At the launch of the national-level World Firefighters’ Day celebration in Tambun, Anwar said the salary increment was in recognition of the contributions of civil servants, such as Fire and Rescue Department personnel.

“They sometimes question, why is the government increasing allowances and salaries in the current economic situation?

“All parties should be aware that the current peace and security of the country is due to agencies such as the Armed Forces, police, the Fire and Rescue Department and so on,” he said.

Also present at the event were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.

Anwar said he appreciated the contributions and sacrifices made by the department’s personnel, who made Malaysia famous at the international level as well.

“For that reason, on behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia as a whole, I am here to express my gratitude for their services.

“I remember last year when I was present after the earthquake in Turkiye. Every time I met with the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he saluted our rescue team for their efficiency, consistency, discipline and spirit of love,” he said.