Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the flexibility might involve different pay rates, Bernama reported.

“For example, instead of the usual working hours from 8am to 5pm, if they work for maybe four hours, the pay rate might be lower, but we can utilise women who feel pressured to take care of their children at home,” he said.

The matter would be considered as part of a study being carried out into a new civil service salary scheme.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day Celebration 2024 held here tonight, Anwar said he would discuss the matter with the chief secretary to the government and the director-general of public services, and on providing flexibility even with slightly lower salaries.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Malaysia would be the first country in the world to provide such flexibility to female civil servants if it could be realised.

He said a change from conventional thinking was required, as there are women who have to leave their careers to take care of their families.

“We make the rules and procedures and if we feel the need to enhance the contribution of women, we can adjust these rules and procedures slightly,” he said.

He said the study into the new salary scheme is in its final stages, and the results will be announced towards the end of this year. Civil service salaries have not been reviewed for 10 years.