KOTA BARU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged civil servants to sign the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which takes effect on Dec 1, and to disregard rumours of hidden agendas.
President Datuk Dr Adnan Mat called on those who have not signed it, to reconsider, stressing the opportunity for better salary increases with just three days left to decide.
"Therefore, I urge civil servants to accept the SSPA for better salary increases, as they have three days left to reconsider and make the right choice by signing it," he told reporters.
Cuepacs is a major trade union in Malaysia that represents the interests of public sector employees, including civil servants.
On Sept 13, Public Service director-general (KPPA) Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said that civil servants have a 40-day option period starting from Oct 21 to Nov 30 to choose between the SSPA or remain with the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM), before it takes effect on Dec 1.
Adnan, however, said false claims circulating on social media have negatively influenced civil servants, deterring them from signing the SSPA.
"These claims suggest, among other things, that signing the SSPA requires civil servants to work until they are 60 and prohibits early retirement.
"Additionally, they allege that the pension scheme will change and that vaccination will be mandatory, but all these claims are false," he said.
Adnan said these allegations should not be a concern, as Cuepacs has conducted workshops and reviewed the SSPA, finding no hidden agendas. He emphasised that the scheme's sole purpose is to provide salary increases for civil servants.
"Once accurate information has been conveyed, they can make their choice," he said.
Adnan made these remarks to reporters after attending the Madani Public Servants Assembly of Cuepacs in Kelantan for the year 2024 at H-Elite Design Hotel, Tunjong, yesterday. Also present was Cuepacs Kelantan chairman Aminuddin Awang.
Media reports yesterday indicated that 15 per cent, or 200,000 civil servants, have yet to sign the SSPA, despite the 40-day window for them to do so ending on 30 Nov.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar reportedly said that the Public Service Department (JPA) is working hard to ensure the remaining 15 per cent of civil servants transition to the new scheme.