While netizens have accused the umbrella body for civil servants’ unions of being insensitive for asking for special incentives frequently, economists told FMT that Cuepacs has a duty to ask for what is best for its members.
Commentators on social media argue that under the current economic slowdown, such a request will add pressure to the government which was already facing difficulties in managing its finances.
One netizen commented on Facebook that it was an unhealthy practice that tends to make the civil servants wait for “handouts” all the time.
Another social media user said: “Enough of handouts for civil servants. There are millions of hardcore poor who deserve some form of financial assistance besides the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) cash aid.”
However, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid said civil servants are part and parcel of the population and raising their liquidity level will increase spending in other sectors of the economy at the same time.
“It’s mind boggling that the public expects efficient service at government departments but are unwilling to part with some taxpayers’ funds to reward civil servants on an annual basis.
“Whether it’s fair depends on various factors, including the economic situation and budget constraints. It could be challenging for the government to accommodate frequent bonus requests. But Cuepacs is only asking for what it deems reasonable for civil servants,” he told FMT.
Fauzi said the government should not feel pressured and instead feel free to decline the request if its finances do not permit it.
On Thursday, Cuepacs president Adnan Mat called for the government
to provide a festive allowance of RM500 for civil servants and RM250 for retirees. He said such assistance was given annually as a token of appreciation to civil servants to alleviate their burden in preparing for the festive season.
Sociopolitical analyst Awang Azman Pawi said whether it’s fair depends on various factors, including the economic situation and budget constraints.
“There’s a possibility that Cuepacs is leveraging its influence, but it’s essential to consider the needs of civil servants while balancing fiscal responsibility,” he said.
He said it is also important to balance the interests of civil servants and taxpayers to weigh the impact on both groups to ensure responsible financial management.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantra said the incentive payment last month was announced in the 2024 Budget proposal and it would not be fair to shoot down Cuepacs’ request based on this.
He said with nearly 90% of civil servants being Muslim, it would be a kind gesture on the part of the government to ease their financial burden as a result of the rise in the cost of living.
“Even the Penang state government has announced a special Hari Raya bonus for its employees. So, I don’t see why the federal government should turn down the request,” he said.