Dialogue session: Anwar meeting members of enforcement agencies at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. — SS KANESAN/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Assuring civil servants that he has their back, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants them to tell him directly if they encounter “interference” in their line of duty.
The Prime Minister said enforcement officers must uphold the law at all times and not allow individuals, including those with positions, to influence their decisions or disregard the law.
“I don’t care about their positions or whether they are wealthy. All must follow the law.
“If there are people who interfere with or disturb you in your duties, you can text me. You have my word that I will defend you,” he said to loud applause from enforcement officers gathered at a dialogue session held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
On his part, Anwar expressed his commitment to work hard for the country and the people.
“I may be turning 76 soon but I will still work as hard or even harder than people who are in their 40s,” he added.
Saying that he has their interests at heart, the Prime Minister said he will personally look into their salary schemes and allowances, which have not been reviewed for the past 10 years.
He acknowledged that the salaries of civil servants are not competitive and that a review is due.
“As a responsible government, we will look into ways to review this. If we cannot increase them all at once, we will do so in stages.
“But I give you my assurance that we will approve any proposals that are reasonable and fair to civil servants,” he said, adding that he is chairing a committee to review several proposals.
“If we find that more time is needed to implement the proposals, we will put other measures in place first,” he said.
“A review to improve the career paths for enforcement agency officers is also being planned.”
He said a RM100mil allocation had been set aside for all enforcement agencies to purchase necessities to improve their working environment and facilitate enforcement operations.
Anwar said RM5.5mil per year had been allocated to increase the uniform allowances for the management and professional groups at six agencies: the Armed Forces, Police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Prisons Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department.
Calling on civil servants to shed the perception they would not be rewarded even if they work hard, Anwar said this is not the case under his administration.
“You deserve better. There is no such thing as not getting anything even if you work hard.
“Trust me on this. I want money for the country so that the people will get proper facilities and for civil servants to be rewarded for their sacrifices,” he said.
