KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement of a special RM500 Aidilfitri Aid for civil servants demonstrates Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's receptiveness to feedback from various quarters.
Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said this was because the government had previously announced that it would not allocate any special aid for Hari Raya this year, since it had already made a payout to civil servants in February.
"Cuepacs expresses its highest appreciation and thanks to the Prime Minister for the RM500 special Raya aid for all its civil servants employed under Grade 56 and below, including contract appointments.
"This assistance is also the Prime Minister's appreciation for the hard work of civil servants over the years in carrying out their responsibilities with full trust.
"Although there were rumours before that the government would not allocate any special aid for Aidilfitri, Alhamdulillah in the end the Prime Minister gave proper consideration to help civil servants.
"Cuepacs is confident that the consideration given by the government today gives relief to all civil servants, despite the current economic situation," he said in a statement today.
Anwar today announced a Special Aidilfitri Aid (BKK) of RM500 to civil servants Grade 56 and below which will be paid this Friday
Anwar said the government also agreed to distribute BKK Aidilfitri to all government retirees including pensioned and non-pensioned veterans. For government retirees including pensioned and non-pensioned veterans an amount of RM250 will be given.
In the meantime, Adnan said he hopes that civil servants will give their full commitment in delivering unwavering dedication in their services to the people and the country.
"At the same time, Cuepacs believes that the special assistance received by public servants will also benefit the national economy, in terms of spending power.
"From a broad point of view, the provision of this special financial assistance indirectly has a positive impact on the economy and the people when the money circulates in the market.
"This financial aid will definitely be spent on buying necessities and it will benefit small traders, supermarkets and other economic sectors," he said.