Anwar announces RM500 Aidilfitri aid for civil servants
Published on: Monday, April 01, 2024
By: FMT
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the special cash aid will be distributed from this Friday. (Facebook pic)
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced special Aidilfitri financial assistance of RM500 for all civil servants in Grade 56 and below, including those on contract appointments.
Anwar also said that financial aid of RM250 would be extended to government pensioners.
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“I have instructed the treasury for the special assistance to be distributed starting this Friday (April 5),” he said in his speech at a monthly meeting with the Prime Minister’s Department here today.
The announcement came despite Anwar claiming on March 24 that there would be no further “bonus” payments for civil servants in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Responding to a call from Cuepacs for a special incentive payment, Anwar said at the time that an early incentive payment of RM2,000 disbursed on Feb 23 was meant for Hari Raya.
In his speech today, the prime minister refuted claims that the government was indifferent towards civil servants.
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He said the decision to offer special financial assistance was prompted by feedback received from civil servants during recent visits to several areas across the country.
“When I met some civil servants yesterday, I asked them if they were satisfied with the Aidilfitri bonus. Many were reluctant to express their concerns, but others claimed it had already been spent.
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“Following my previous statement, even the chief secretary to the government (Zuki Ali) has been reluctant to bring up the matter, so I haven’t spoken to him about it yet. But I am aware that many of your hearts have been pounding,” he said.
Anwar urged all civil servants to be more proactive in delivering government initiatives and assistance to the public to minimise criticism of the unity government.
He also called on civil servants to help enlighten the public on matters relating to government policy.
“Civil servants may not be directly involved in politics, but it is imperative that they communicate the government’s accomplishments to the public,” he said.
RM1,000 for Pahang civil servants
Meanwhile, about 8,000 civil servants in Pahang will receive special Aidilfitri assistance of RM1,000 each, menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail announced last night, Bernama reported.
The aid will be distributed before Hari Raya, he told reporters after a ceremony to present RM50 petrol vouchers to about 5,000 Pahang natives.
Wan Rosdy said 22,000 people had applied for the vouchers, most of whom are living in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. He said the programme gives Pahang residents living out of state an opportunity to strengthen ties with state leaders.
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