Sarawak mulls own pension fund for state civil service, says Premier

KUCHING (Oct 26): Sarawak’s own pension fund is among the options being mulled for the state’s civil service, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He revealed a study is being carried on whether to set up such a fund, collaborate with the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) or have a system based on the Contribution-Based Position (JBC) model.

“With that, we can then raise the salary. Now the salary is low and I pity you (Sarawak civil servants). If we want to increase the salary, we cannot do it because we are bound by the law. But if we have an independent system, we can look for new ideas where definitely your salary will be more competitive in the market.

“Where there is a will, why not we do it? But we must work hard so Sarawak’s income increases. God willing, there will be a sign that the income will increase (this year),” he said at the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards 2024 on Friday night.

On a related matter, Abang Johari hinted there could be good news for Sarawak civil servants when he tables the 2025 Sarawak Budget next month.

Alluding to a bonus, he said Sarawak civil servants have been working hard in ensuring service and project delivery which contributes to Sarawak’s increase revenue.

“When the revenue increases, ‘paham-paham lah’ (if you know you know). Just wait next month. Whenever the state revenue increases, we give back to the people,” he said.

Abang Johari said he needed the civil service to perform and cited an example of if the Sarawak government is given a big budget to supply water and electricity to the people, it must be delivered on time.

“We have a big budget. No other states are like us. Last year, it was more than RM12 billion and we had many work to do. I am aware you are under pressure because when infrastructure projects are not completed according to schedule, the people will put the blame on me,” he said.

He said a civil service that emphasises innovation and integrity is the key to Sarawak achieving the 2030 vision of being a developed state driven by data and new ideas.

He said the combination of these two elements would allow the Sarawak civil service to continue to excel in providing the best service to the people, especially in facing various current challenges.

“Civil service in Sarawak is in the highest category because all of you are not only knowledgeable but also have integrity. This is our strength and with this, I believe we can face bigger challenges in the future,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Cabinet ministers Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.