KUALA LUMPUR – University students interested in joining the civil service after their graduation welcomed the higher salaries recently announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Several final-year students from various universities have told Scoop the higher salaries could narrow the pay gap between the public and private sectors, and entice more to work in the government.
Nuranisah Hani Azmy, a 23-year-old final-year journalism student from UiTM, says the pay adjustments will be more attractive to those seeking to enter public service.
“I am hoping to work for the civil service in the communications department. But, I will evaluate which job I apply for will meet my financial goals and provide fair compensation for my work,” she said.
Afif Husaini Ajian, 23, a final-year student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, is looking to continue living in Penang but hoping to get a job related to tourism.
“I would like to be involved in the government’s tourism efforts. With the higher salary package, it can play a huge part in helping applicants decide.
“Government jobs usually offer job security, good benefits and steady career growth, while private sector jobs pay more but could be unpredictable,” says Afif, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English for professionals.
He says raising salaries will make the civil service more appealing by closing the pay gap with the private sector.
Meanwhile, Tunku Miftah Hadi Tunku Mohar, 23, a political science student from the International Islamic University Malaysia, says the announcement is music to his ears as he feels the current salary scheme is low.
“Any increase is attractive, especially considering the minimum salary is low.
“Although the government cancelled pensions for incoming civil servants, the civil service still offers more benefits compared to the private sector.”
Adam Othman, a 22-year-old IT student, also feels the salary increase will entice more people to apply to join the civil service even though he might not be one of them.
“Any increase in salary will attract more people to apply. But prior to this, the government also announced there will be no pension scheme, so I don’t think it’s for me. I am an IT student, so I will most likely join the private sector.
Applied sciences student Muhammad Adib Mohd Asrin, 24, from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, says while the salary increase is great, he believes it is to counter the fact that future civil servants will not receive pensions.
“The 13% increase will definitely attract young graduates, but I think most people nowadays prefer having a pension instead of a salary increase.
“The only reason why I would be interested in working in the civil sector is because I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps.
“The civil sector is very restrictive and you must always follow the rules, whereas like Grab, you can work whenever you want and your salary is directly matched with the work you do. I think young people prefer jobs like this.”
Aside from the salary adjustments, the prime minister also urged the private sector to follow the government’s lead in increasing salaries. – May 3, 2024