Civil servants, the luckiest individuals

KUALA LUMPUR: Millions of applications are received every year by the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the public seeking for jobs in the civil service.
In 2016 alone, the PSC received 1.56 million applications for 25,046 job vacancies in the public sector, which is regarded as the government's backbone.
The perception that the government offers low salaried jobs is no longer a distraction for university graduates from working in the public sector, especially with the various facilities and incentives offered for the well-being of civil servants.
Various perks and incentives are provided by the government, such as public holidays, salary increment, health facility, housing scheme and education aid for civil servants, making them the luckiest individuals.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Azih Muda (pix) said the current transformation in the public service was due to the government's tripartite policy that enabled negotiations among employers, the government and employees to be carried out in harmony.
Azih said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, always listened to the plight of civil servants.
"With our economy much more stable than before, as well as the consistent national policies, various improvements in the public sector have been made by the government, especially since the past five years.
"These include salary increment, sometimes, twice a year, retirement scheme and other facilities, such as public holidays, which attract graduates from all races to compete for jobs in the civil service," he told Bernama.
He said the lifestyle of civil servants has also changed drastically over the years, with many now being able to afford their own vehicles and home after only working for three or five years.
"In the 70s, many financial institutions do not have confidence in civil servants because of their small salary, and as a result, many can only afford second hand vehicles, or wait for several years before they can afford to get a new car.
"But now, it is easier for civil servants to get loans from banks," he added.
Aziz said civil servants should optimise their service in the government to serve the people and the country.
Teacher Muhammad Adam Yaacobe (repeat Yaacobe), 47, said being in the government sector allowed him to benefit from the various facilities offered for civil servants, including housing loan.
He said he bought a house in Setapak here four years ago through a loan applied though the Public Sector Housing Financing Board.
There was no deposit payment required and it was fast, he added.
As for Roslina Amit, 32, who is now nine months pregnant with her first child, said there were also extra perks for women employees who are five month pregnant or more where they could be allowed to leave for home one hour earlier than other staff.
This showed the government's concern for the welfare and safety of its employees, said the assistant accountant with the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).
Meanwhile, an administrative assistant at a government-linked company, Nor Aisah Daud, 30, said the provision of a child centre at her work place by the government enabled her to work in peace and the opportunity for her to check on them during lunch break, etc. — Bernama