SEREMBAN, March 7 — The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) hopes the government will provide special financial assistance to civil servants and government retirees in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration next month.
Its president Datuk Adnan Mat said the assistance, which is usually given annually, should be continued as a token of appreciation to all civil servants, thereby alleviating their burden in preparing for the festive season.
“We appreciate the recent RM2,000 Early Incentive Payment for civil servants, which provides some relief to public service members for early school expenses, Ramadan, and perhaps some for Aidilfitri celebrations.
“However, if the government feels there is a need for a slight addition in the form of festive assistance as traditionally provided annually and never missed, perhaps the same tradition could be maintained, we welcome it, but Cuepacs does not press for it.
“Typically, the government provides RM500 for civil servants and RM250 for retirees; maintaining the same amounts would be a good gesture,” he told the press after attending the Negeri Sembilan Civil Servants Assembly with Cuepacs, which was officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun today.
Meanwhile, Adnan said the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Retirement Fund Incorporated, and Social Security Organisation should propose appropriate welfare forms for future civil servants to the government during their discussions on March 25.
This includes proposals for the government to increase the EPF contribution scheme for employers and employees at a suitable rate, not less than 26 per cent of the new civil servant’s basic salary.
“These three agencies are asked to make better proposals than the existing pension scheme, and Cuepacs believes the upcoming proposals will be more suitable for the next generation. We want improvements, so our principle is to get ‘no less benefit’ (from the pension scheme).
“There are members of the public who believe that EPF is better because they can structure their finances themselves, manage it themselves, and know how to manage it, so there are no problems for them, and the government may be able to enhance that contribution form,” he said.
Therefore, Adnan said future civil servants need not worry and should rest assured that the government is very concerned about their fate, thus ensuring they will also receive better benefits.
— Bernama
