THE Public Services Commission of Malaysia says the method of recruitment of officers into civil service is based on merit and competence of candidates.
The Indians made up just 3.7% of civil servants, while the community composed almost 7% of Malaysia’s demographic.
Currently, Indians are inadequately represented in the civil service. It is the government’s responsibility to empower its disadvantaged citizens.
Indians have helped build and shape our nation, their legacy etched in the fabric of Malaysia’s growth and development.
The government should increase the intake of Indians to the civil service to reflect the population.
What the government can do is to give discretion to the intake process. Deserving Indians and Chinese should be given places in government service.
Applying the additional criteria of quota system for the Indian recruitment would provide a solution.
And, considering the overwhelming dominance of Malays in the current civil service, the quota system for Indians (and non bumiputeras) should be applied to help those especially from poor backgrounds.
Therefore, the quota system should remain to help those from disadvantage backgrounds.
The government should also find ways of attracting more Indians and Chinese into the civil service.
Appart from the Public Service Commission other agencies authorised to hire for civil service positions like the Education Service Commission, Judicial and Legal Service Commission, Police Force Commission, Armed Forces Council, state Civil Service Commissions, statutory authorities and local authorities must do the same. – January 30, 2025
M. Vivekananthan has served the Malaysian government at various ministries and agencies for 30 years