Salary hike comes with efficiency, remember that!

With bad laws and good civil servants it’s still possible to govern. But with bad civil servants even the best laws can’t help.

– Otto von Bismarck, Prussian stateman

The impending salary increment ranging from seven to 15 per cent for our 1.6 million civil servants while getting the thumbs-up from certain quarters, has raised the general public’s eyebrows.

Of course, I can’t deny Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement is a commendable move, providing much-needed financial relief to those who have served the country diligently, but one needs also to approach the development critically.

The government will be allocating a staggering RM10 billion – mind you, not a small amount – for the pay adjustments, a move that raises both opportunities and concerns.

I had a frank discussion with a retired department director over teh tarik and thosai yesterday. The decision to implement such a substantial salary increase is undoubtedly a hefty one.

Let’s call this friend, Samad. ‘Brother’ Samad says the RM10 billion expenditure reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants, acknowledging the challenges they face amidst rising living costs. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has seen a 21.3 per cent increase over the past decade, with food and beverage prices escalating by 24.8 per cent (no thanks to businesses upping prices at the slightest excuses).

The salary adjustment under the newly introduced Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) seems justified, especially considering that civil servants’ salaries have only seen a 5.8 per cent increase over the last 12 years.

However, with such a generous increase comes the expectation of enhanced performance and efficiency. Civil servants have often been perceived as a privileged group, enjoying job security and benefits that are enviable in the private sector.

It is a widely held belief that while securing a position within the civil service is challenging, it is even more difficult to be removed from the system, regardless of performance. This perception, whether fully accurate or not, has led to complacency among some within the civil service, resulting in inefficiencies that affect the public.

Anwar’s announcement is not just about financial increments. It is also a call to action for civil servants to improve their work ethic and efficiency.

The implementation of the SSPA is built on three pillars, namely increased productivity and efficiency, readiness of civil servants to implement changes, and enhanced competitiveness. These goals can only be achieved if our civil servants take their roles seriously and deliver the high-quality service that we, as members of the public, deserve.

There is a standing joke that some individuals choose the civil service over the private sector because of the leniency in performance standards. Unlike the private sector, where strict productivity terms and conditions are the norm, the civil service has often been viewed as a haven for those seeking stability without the accompanying pressure to perform.

This mindset must change, otherwise Putrajaya’s dream of becoming the “best civil service in the world’ will just be a syok sendiri fantasy, or at worst a nightmare!

Now that a substantial pay increase has been granted, it is only fair that civil servants reciprocate by providing more efficient, inclusive and responsive services. The time for complacency is over.

The public has the right to expect a higher standard of service, and civil servants must rise to the occasion. And if they think, they can’t deliver, then don’t stay on lah; leave the service and go into some form of business and spare us the agony, seriously!

It is not uncommon to hear stories of civil servants who waste time in canteens, arrive late for work, or leave midway through the day for personal errands, like picking up spouses or picking up kids from school. Such behaviour not only reflects poorly on the individual but also tarnishes the reputation of the entire civil service.

Department heads have a role to play in addressing these issues. They must take a proactive approach in identifying and reporting errant employees to the Chief Secretary to the Government or State Secretary, and these leaders themselves must set a strong example by being diligent in their duties and holding their subordinates to the highest standards.

Anwar has taken a bold step by allowing the public to assess and evaluate civil servants’ quality of service. Starting from today (Aug 19), members of the public will be able to lodge complaints if they are dissatisfied with the service they receive. This move clearly indicates that the government means business, and is serious about holding civil servants accountable.

It is also a wake-up call for those who have taken their positions for granted. The days of doing the bare minimum are over. Civil servants must now earn their keep by delivering exceptional service.

Nevertheless, I feel that while the salary increment is a positive development for civil servants, it is important to consider the broader economic implications. The concern raised by former Congress of the Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services president Datuk Azih Muda about the potential for a domino effect on the prices of goods and services is valid.

In the past, salary increments have often been followed by price hikes, negating the intended benefits of the pay rise. The government must be vigilant in monitoring and controlling the prices of goods and raw materials to prevent exploitation by unscrupulous businesses.

If prices spiral out of control, the pay hike will be rendered meaningless, and the public, including civil servants, will find themselves back at square one.

One of the most promising aspects of the new remuneration system is the introduction of performance-based incentives. The Prime Minister has made it clear that salary increments will not be automatic. Those who perform well will be rewarded, while those who are slow, lazy, take frequent medical leaves or are negligent will not be guaranteed raises, regardless of their length of service.

This is a major shift from the old practices, where length of service was often the main criterion for pay hikes.

Meanwhile, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has indicated that the salary increment for state civil servants will be aligned with that of their federal counterparts. This alignment will ensure that Sarawak’s civil service remains competitive.

Abang Johari has also hinted that he may go a step further – offering even better terms than those announced by Putrajaya. This is encouraging for the state’s civil servants who can look forward to improved compensation packages, and at the same time buck up and give their best to the public.

Civil servants must realise that with increased pay comes increased responsibility. The public expects more, and rightfully so. The days when things are taken for granted are over. It is time for civil servants to buck up, deliver high-quality service, and prove that they are worthy of the trust and resources invested in them.

Our government servants have been given a great opportunity; it is now up to them to seize it and make a positive difference.

Adios! Your Obedient Servant.

The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.