Morally wrong for Cuepacs to ask for bonus now

Hopes of getting a year-end bonus for civil servants were dashed as the Prime Minister is of the view that it is morally wrong for Cuepacs to make such a request when the Government is making efforts to ride out of the global economic crisis.

Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak said that while it was a popular move for Cuepacs president to continue to pressure the Government for a two-month bonus for the 1.2 million civil servants, it was not the right time to make such a demand.

“It is morally wrong for Cuepacs to ask for bonus during these difficult times,” he said at a business luncheon forum at the Bankers’ Club here yesterday.

In a meeting last week, the congress members endorsed a two-month bonus demand and wanted its leaders to meet with the Prime Minister soon.

There was no mention of bonus for civil servants in Budget 2010. Last year, the Government gave a one-month bonus with a minimum of RM1,000.

Najib said the Government had decided to introduce a reward system for civil servants instead to motivate those who performed well.

Najib pointed out that Malaysia must review its subsidies that artificially distort the marketplace.

He said the nation spent over RM20bil maintaining price controls over a wide range of products including bread and sugar.

Star Online 5/11/09