KUALA LUMPUR: The recent plea from the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) to hasten the salary increment for civil servants has stirred a mixed response among the public, a survey on Berita Harian's Facebook page found.
One netizen said it was vital to increase the incomes of lower-paid civil servants, particularly those below the poverty line, to keep up with the economy.
"The salary increase (for civil servants) in April or May is appropriate. Civil servants have been waiting for a long time, especially those in Grades 23 and below, who feel that their salaries are too low.
"Cuepacs speaks up for government employees, especially those earning a minimum of RM1,200 and below. Even the private sector has raised the minimum wage to RM1,500.
"Why are people angry? If it is said that some (civil servants) are lazy, not all civil servants are like that; it's unfair to generalise," the user said.
Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat had said many civil servants could no longer cope with the high cost of living.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a review of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) was in its final stages.
Anwar said the updated SSPA was expected to be unveiled before the year's end, following a decade of stagnant salaries for civil servants.
Some netizens questioned the salary increase for civil servants, alleging that higher pay did not align with their low productivity.
They argue that Cuepacs focus should be on improving the quality of work rather than frequently demanding for salary increases.
"Always demanding salary increases, has the Cuepacs president ever asked civil servants to increase productivity?
"Be responsible during working hours, refrain from laziness, and avoid corruption. This is always about salaries and bonuses every time."
Another netizen said some civil servants had no choice but to ask for higher pay, especially for those earning below the poverty line, and the Cuepacs president must advocate for it.
The commentator, who is also a civil servant, also suggested that the government should immediately approve applications for Compensatory Rest Leave (GCR) which civil servants greatly need.
"If possible, I also suggest that the government immediately approve GCR applications, which the majority of civil servants apply for due to the current hardship in life."
GCR is a cash payout for public servants who are unable to take their annual leave due to service requirements.