Samsuri said this was why he did not announce a bonus for civil servants in the state budget which he tabled today, Berita Harian reported.

“In many situations, before announcing anything (in the state budget), we must first apply (to the finance ministry) and obtain its confirmation that the allocation would be given.

“Some things are still in the (application) process. The letters were sent several months ago to the ministry for its approval. Once we have obtained the approval, then we can implement them all, including the bonus,” he was quoted as saying.

The bonus amount is also subject to the finance ministry’s decision, he added.

Civil servants in Selangor will receive a bonus of two months’ salary next year, while their Sabah counterparts will get one month’s pay.