PETALING JAYA: With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expected to unveil a raise in civil servants’ wages today, Malaysians hope that the pay increase will enhance the quality of services across government offices and agencies.
Business executive K. Arul, 34, said his experiences with government officers have been “pleasant” so far and he hoped that civil servants who perform well would be rewarded accordingly to promote better and more efficient services all around.
“When I brought my child to get his passport recently, the officer was very helpful and friendly. He was very patient and understanding, with other officers also coming forward to help keep my child still for the passport photo.
“I hope this service continues and even improves as civil servants’ benefits increase. They are serving the nation and those who perform well should be rewarded accordingly,” he said.
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A business owner, who wanted to be known only as Calvin, hoped for “friendlier” government officers.
“The services provided are satisfactory but I have been given the cold shoulder occasionally.
“While some were unfriendly, there were those who provided excellent customer service and helped me throughout the entire process.
“Hopefully, the wage increase can boost their morale and help them cope with the rising cost of living as well,” he said.
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Marketing executive Leon Chin, 33, is also hoping to see better customer service from government officers.
“I went to the National Registration Department recently to inquire about my upcoming marriage registration.
“However, the officer spoke in a condescending tone and seemed to be rushing me off despite there being no one else in line after me.
“It was quite disappointing given how my previous experiences with government departments were quite positive,” he said.
On the wage increase, Malay moderate group G25 co-founder Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Kassim said the salary revision is justified by the need to keep up with market trends.
“As the gross domestic product is growing at a steady rate, the expanding economy can accommodate the increase in government operating expenditure.
“The salary increase, however, should also be accompanied by the implementation of the merit criteria so that non-performers do not enjoy the same treatment as achievers,” said Mohd Sheriff, a former Finance Ministry secretary-general.
