Thursday July 26, 2012

PM declares half-month bonus for civil servants, pensioners get special payment

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a half-month bonus with a minimum payment of RM500 for civil servants and a special payment of RM500 for pensioners.

The payments will be made on Aug 9, he said. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on Aug 19.

The bonus and special payment will benefit 1.27 million civil servants and 657,000 government pensioners.

Najib said the payments were being made in view of the financial capability and fiscal position of the Government.

He said the payments would involve an estimated cost of RM2.2bil.

Raya cheer: Najib mingling with the people during the breaking of fast at the Masjid Mustaqin site in Ampang.

“The Government always has deep concern for and gives much emphasis to the welfare of civil servants,” he said, adding that he hoped the payments would help the people celebrate Aidilfitri.

The bonus has traditionally been paid out at the end of the year to help civil servants buy school essentials.

Najib said the bonus was proof of the Government's sincerity in looking after the interests of the people.

“This shows that the Government is capable of managing the economy well. If the economy is not doing well, we will not be able to give out such bonuses,” he said after attending prayers at the Taman Sri Angsana Hilir surau in Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, last night.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa advised civil servants to spend the bonus wisely.

“We can still make the Hari Raya celebration a grand one without overspending,” he said.

Cuepacs also advised civil servants to be prudent when spending the money.

Its president Datuk Omar Osman said that if possible, the extra money should be saved.

“Celebrating Hari Raya does not mean we should replace everything in the home.

“We should be moderate in our preparations,” he said while thanking the Government for giving the bonus.

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