KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has sent an objection notice opposing the abolishment of the Critical Service Incentive Payment (BIPK) to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Its newly-elected president Adnan Mat said they had also sent a letter to the Public Service Department (PSD) requesting for a meeting to discuss the matter.
He said the notice and letter were sent simultaneously to the prime minister and PSD last week
“Many quarters in the civil services are still worried, despite Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announcing that the prime minister had agreed to postpone the abolition of BIPK.
“Hence, as a stakeholder in the government, we are seeking a meeting with the PSD to discuss the matter and to express our views on the abolition of the allowance.
“Cuepacs was not informed or called in for a discussion over the abolishment of BIPK,” he told reporters here today.
In a circular dated Dec 20, the PSD stated that the BIPK for civil servants in 33 critical services schemes would be abolished for new appointments from tomorrow onwards.
The announcement triggered criticism from several quarters, including Cabinet ministers and leaders from both sides of the political divide.
Recently, Syed Saddiq said Dr Mahathir had agreed to postpone the abolition of BIPK, and that the decision would be made only after a Cabinet meeting in January.
Adnan said he was hopeful that the government would not abolish the BIPK for new doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals joining the civil service beginning tomorrow.
“The abolishment would create double standards and disharmony in the public and civil services.
“It will also lead to the creation of a conflict of sorts between the present (civil servants) and new appointments.
“That is why Cuepacs is of the opinion that the government should maintain the BIPK even for new appointments.”
Adnan also hit out at certain quarters for questioning the loyalty of top office bearers towards the Pakatan Harapan administration following the change in Federal Government after the 14th General Election last year.
Without singling out any ministers and deputy ministers, Adnan said top office bearers such as directors-general and secretaries-general were bound to carry out their duties diligently although there was a change in the ruling government.
“As policies remain unchanged, civil servants are required to carry out their responsibilities.
“Maybe there are policies which are considered outdated. Some quarters might consider it (policies under previous administration) as BN policies.
“However to us civil servants, a government policy is a government policy.
“Over the years there has been a change in the leadership at the state level.
“But, to us, a policy is policy and we are duty bound to implement it,” he stressed.