Tuesday July 17, 2012

Cuepacs: Not right time to talk bonus

KUALA LUMPUR: Cuepacs is still undecided whether to make a request to the Government for an Aidilfitri bonus payment for the 1.4 million civil servants.

The congress had a high-level meeting here, yesterday which was attended by the new Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa, and discussed the issue of bonuses, among other things.

However, the meeting concluded without any decision made on the matter as the members felt it was not the right time to pursue it.

“There are other more pressing things, so we have decided not to pursue the matter,” Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman told reporters after the meeting.

Omar said top on the agenda of the meeting was the new ruling by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to allow degree holders to apply and hold positions meant for SPM holders.

“If we make an announcement now (to request for a bonus), with the fasting month approaching, it may cause prices of goods to go up.

“When the Prime Minister recently announced the tyre subsidy scheme for taxi drivers, some tyre dealers took the opportunity to hike the price of tyres.

“We will leave it to the Government to decide,” he said.

On the PSC ruling, Omar said the congress has rejected the move.

“We urge the PSC to reconsider,” said Omar.

He explained that the move would be counter-productive as many degree holders who took up posts that they were over-qualified for, were likely to leave without proper notice the moment they secured better jobs.

“Some departments have experienced this problem when degree holders employed for posts that they are over-qualified left abruptly once they have found better jobs.

“This is causing much inconvenience to the employers as they have to seek replacements. Let the posts meant for SPM holders be filled by SPM holders,” said Omar.

Dr Ali, meanwhile, said the meeting was an opportunity for him to formally introduce himself to Cuepacs members.

“After this, I will visit all states to meet with Cuepacs members as well as department heads. They are welcome to see me and discuss how we can improve the civil service,” said Dr Ali, who was sworn in on June 28.

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