KAJANG, July 20 — The government will review the promotion timeline for civil servants, especially in categories where career advancement can take up to eight years, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“At the next meeting, we need to review this matter. Any promotion that takes too long must be expedited.
“That is the instruction I have given because we want a comprehensive commitment to realise the Malaysia Madani concept,” he said during a meet-and-greet at Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS) today.
Also present at the event was Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the career advancement timeline is among concerns raised by civil servants during engagement sessions, and he noted that the government prioritises their welfare, including by reviewing salary scales in the past.
He said civil servants received pay rises despite the country’s fiscal constraints and the heavy debt burden inherited by the current administration.
“(Civil servants) themselves were not very confident (about receiving pay rises) because they knew of the country’s financial position and the inherited debt.
“When the proposal was submitted, I felt the amount was still insufficient. That is why I insisted the rise be further increased. Not to bring it up again, but that is the reality.
“I do not want civil servants to only be asked to work harder and shoulder greater responsibilities while their welfare is neglected.
“That is what I want to highlight. Is it sufficient now? Not yet,” he said.
Anwar added that the government cannot simply continue borrowing to meet every demand, as doing so would increase the country’s interest obligations.
Meanwhile, he stressed that national leaders must prioritise security and unity to preserve stability, as Malaysia’s independence was achieved by the sacrifices of earlier generations, not by chance.
He said the nation must strengthen its culture, identity, moral values and ethics while pursuing technological progress.
The prime minister also warned that corruption, moral decline and greed remain among the country’s greatest challenges, and must be addressed to ensure continued development.
“I am confident that this country is capable of achieving greater excellence, and that our children will be able to enjoy the best education system,” he said.
Anwar said everyone, including civil servants, is responsible for delivering the best possible service to ensure the country remains on the right path.
