PUTRAJAYA: The announcement of the salary increment for civil servants has nothing to do with the coming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"They (opposition) says it's because of Kuala Kubu Baharu but it has nothing to do with that.
"The decision to increase the salary of civil servants was made early this year, way before the passing of the Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblywoman.
"I had also previously mentioned that we would be announcing the policies of the salary increment," he said this at the Home Ministry Hari Raya Open House celebrations here on Thursday (May 2).
On Wednesday (May 1), Anwar announced a pay rise of more than 13% including a minimum pay of RM2,000 for civil servants under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which was to come into effect this December.
The pay hike under the SPPA would be the highest since the last government salary review was carried out some 12 years ago.
Although the announcement of the pay increase under SSPA was well received by civil servants, Anwar said he was aware that there were those bent on criticising the government.
Among the criticisms, he noted was that the more than 13% salary hike was not the highest and that the SPPA had yet to get approval from Parliament.
"In fact, the pay rise for those in the lower category will be between 20% and almost 40% for most civil servants.
"This is because our system has to be equitable.
"Those in the higher ranking will see a hike which is lesser while those in the lower grade will get a higher increment.
"This is what we call justice," he said.
He said the proposed minimum salary of RM2,000 and higher salary increment would help civil servants in the lower grade to better cope with living expenses.
On criticism that the SPPA had yet to be passed by Parliament, Anwar said that it would be done.
"Don't worry, our decision will be passed with style in Parliament so that it (SPPA) can be implemented this December," he said.
He added that the Opposition MPs would not dare oppose the SPPA when it was tabled in Parliament.
On May 1, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil noted that there were some on social media who had pointed out that civil servants were given a salary increment of between 7.5% and 35% in 2007.
Fahmi, who was also Unity Government spokesman, said that details of the SPPA would be spelt out under Budget 2025 which would be tabled in Parliament this coming October.
