By: Mr. Dahlan Ismail Abu Bakar

The year 2024 marks the 67th year of our nation’s independence. This year also sees civil servants receiving the highest salary increase in history through the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), starting this December.

This salary increase aligns with the responsibility of civil servants to implement government policies and provide services to the public. However, the role of civil servants has become increasingly challenging.

For example, civil servants must now master rapidly evolving information technology (IT), keeping pace with a society where information is accessible at the fingertips. The use of paper is being replaced by computer systems and databases.

Moreover, civil servants need to acquire various other skills to perform their daily duties, meet customer charters, and deliver the best services to the public and stakeholders.

Therefore, the salary increase proposed by the government is an excellent initiative, offering some relief to civil servants in coping with the rising cost of living, especially for those residing in urban areas.

Whatever challenges civil servants face, the forthcoming salary increase will inevitably be spent on meeting the rising cost of living.

Today’s expenditure can be seen as an investment that yields returns in various aspects for oneself and one’s family. Even though the nation has been independent for 67 years, we cannot predict what other issues may arise in the future.

Hence, the salary increase for civil servants is not meant for extravagance, adding to monthly commitments, or taking out unnecessary new loans.

In this regard, increasing savings for the future of one’s children and family is the best option, even if it may be difficult for most civil servants to achieve.

Moreover, the cost of living has consistently risen every year, so society, including civil servants, must manage their monthly financial resources wisely or face these challenges with acceptance and resilience.

After 67 years of independence, there are now 20 public universities (UA) and over 300 higher education institutions (IPTs) in the country, all with reputations comparable to international standards. IPTs are no longer exclusive but inclusive for all levels of society.

More Flexible Education

This means society has a very wide opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills to add value to themselves. Education is now more flexible to help society.

The learning process does not stop at the end of school or higher education; it is lifelong. It has been recorded that some Malaysians have completed their studies at the age of 90.

Therefore, this opportunity must be seized by society, especially civil servants, to deepen their knowledge in specific fields that can add value to themselves and indirectly help improve the productivity of the public service.

Pursuing further education also provides additional assurance for civil servants to enhance their potential in today’s careers or in different fields after retirement.

Importantly, the forthcoming salary increase through the SSPA will not only elevate the quality of public service to society but also add value to civil servants in sustaining their livelihoods today and when they retire.

The advantages and privileges gained today or to be received when the new salary rates are announced should drive greater commitment to work and self-improvement in line with the changing times, focusing on mastering digital skills.

Date of Input: 12/08/2024 | Updated: 12/08/2024 | hairul_nizam