Good news for civil servants in 2018 budget (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The government will announce several improvements for the public sector in Budget 2018, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
"I understand, many of you are waiting for certain announcements, I will deliver some good news and improvements in the upcoming budget presentation later this month. Please be patient," Najib said at the 15th Civil Service Premier Gathering (Mappa XV) held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here.
Najib said the government values the contribution of civil servants in bringing progress to the nation.
He also took aim at the opposition for saying that civil servants are inefficient and lazy.
"Some quarters, especially the opposition, have accused the public sector in this country of being a bloated civil service.
"And they even proudly said they would cut down the number of those serving the government should they rule Putrajaya.
"So, imagine, ladies and gentlemen, what will happen to the fate of a majority of civil servants, if they are allowed to rule the country?" he told about 5,000 civil servants present.
Najib explained that it is unfair to label the civil service as "bloated" as the Federal Constitution stipulates that those serving in the health sector, security forces and teachers, are part of the civil service.
"This is unfair. In some countries, those serving in these areas are not considered public officers," he said.
Meanwhile, Najib outlined 6 philosophies and guidelines for civil servants to achieve its TN50 (National Transformation 2050) plan.
Najib said the philosophy is designed to uplift the service standards of civil servants.