PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the public service remuneration scheme, which is being reviewed, to undergo a drastic improvement to reflect the changes in the present economic situation of the country.
The Prime Minister said the review of the remuneration scheme demanded not only significant change but also a paradigm shift following the change in the country's economic landscape, as well as to recognise the contribution of the public sector towards the national development agenda.
In his speech at the launching of the 2023 National Technical Profession Day here today, Anwar stressed this when he spoke on the philosophies promoted by sociologist Thomas Kuhn to explain the true meaning of the paradigm shift.
"There is a need for us to embrace this (a paradigm) shift. However, the understanding of what this (paradigm) shift is all about is not very profound.
"When we spoke about a paradigm shift, it is about making drastic improvement and not about making minor changes. This is the case for the review of the remuneration scheme (in the public sector) which needs a (paradigm) shift.
"The review of the remuneration scheme must reflect the needs and demands as well as the situation of the country now as opposed to 20 years ago," said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
Present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Anwar also stressed the need for all quarters to accept the fact that the situation as well as the demand of the people in the country have changed compared to many years before.
"We must embrace a (paradigm) shift in our mindset. Previously, due to certain reasons, the technical professions as well as others such as engineering were not given the emphasis it requires.
"Having that said, we must accept the facts that things have changed. The Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has become more important now (to develop the country).
"So as other professions such as engineering, the technical sector, information technology and digital technological development, which are all critical areas for the nation to move forward," he said.
On a related matter, Anwar provided his assurance that the technical profession in the public sector would be given priority in the review of the public service remuneration scheme.
"The world has changed. We must provide the right recognition of the role played by civil servants in the technical sector in the development of the country.
"We have conducted several engagements. I have also instructed the Public Services Department to carry out a comprehensive assessment in their review of the remuneration scheme especially involving those in the technical profession.
"The position and status of those in this group must be elevated in line with the economic situation of the country.
"Based on this principle, I want to express my commitment (that civil servants in the technical profession) will be given priority in the review of the public services remuneration scheme," he said.
Anwar nevertheless said the review would require some time but the government has made the necessary efforts, including engaging with bodies representing civil servants from the various professions in the public sector.
Last month, Anwar announced that the government was expected to unveil a fresh set of guidelines for the salary scheme of the country's civil service by the end of next year.