Civil service unemployment not an issue despite recession prediction: Ali

PUTRAJAYA: Unemployment in the civil service is not an issue despite a prediction that Malaysia is likely to be hit by recession in 2018, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
He said the country's civil service had undergone much transformation, among others identifying and creating new posts to replace redundant ones.
"The government sector will proceed. The country has achieved an economic growth of five per cent last year, more than what was forecasted at 4.5%.
"In terms of employment, it won't be an issue of unemployment. As far as civil service is concerned, there is an intake every year, at least the replacement rate of 20,000 to 25,000 posts is available," he told reporters after launching the Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) Annual General Meeting here today.
Ali was commenting on a news report quoting political and economic affairs analyst Professor Hoo Ke Ping, who predicted that Malaysia was likely to be hit by recession in 2018.
Besides, the chief secretary noted, there was also a projection done by an agency stating that Malaysia would achieve similar growth rate for the next four years.
"For example, for new posts in certain areas, recently there was a requirement for more personnel in the Eastern Sabah Security Command. We give priority to them.
"Currently, there are 1.61 million civil servants in the workforce, which is just nice for Malaysia."
On another development, Ali pointed out that Solicitor-General Azailiza Mohd Ahad did not resign from her post but instead, opted for early retirement from her post in the Attorney-General's Chambers.
"It was an early retirement, basically. She wanted to opt out just like any other civil servant. They have the right to wait until 60 to retire or opt after 50. It is just normal because she has other plans to pursue.
"I don't know what her plans are, but right now she is taking care of a lot of government businesses, a lot of international, legal matters", he said.
Her post has been taken over by Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek, who was Solicitor-General II. The Solicitor-General serves as the public prosecutor in the absence of the Attorney-General.
Earlier in his opening speech, Ali reminded PTD officers to upgrade themselves with higher interpersonal skills in building and shaping human capital in order to deal with today's demanding society.
"A PTD officer is required to attend a PTD Cadet Course for 10 to 12 months to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to discharge their duties in a professional manner," he said.
Ali said a special module on placement courses in city would be added in future to enable PTD officers to understand problems faced by urbanites. — Bernama