THE Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) wants the government to reconsider a salary hike plan mooted by Barisan Nasional.

Cuepacs president Azih Mudah said the request is based on the rising living costs, if the present Pakatan Harapan government cannot rein in rising prices.

“If the price of goods can’t be brought down, then the government must consider raising the salaries of civil servants.

“Cuepacs wishes to appeal to the government for a salary increased, as announced by the previous government but was never carried out.

“We would like the present government to reconsider it,” he told reporters at Wisma Cuepacs in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to Azih, a salary adjustment review has not been carried out since January 1, 2002.

Cuepacs also urged that the government to provide affordable housing priced between RM90,000 and RM150,000 to civil servants earning less than RM3,000 a month.

“There are unsold houses are priced so high they cannot be afforded by civil servants,” he said.

Cuepacs also expects the government to provide tax relief, adjust the living allowance (Cola) to RM500 and provide a one-month bonus to civil servants in Budget 2020.

“Cuepacs sees tax relief is necessary because it increases the income of public servants.

“We also recommend that the government standardise the nationwide Cola allowance because everywhere in Malaysia has experienced rising living costs.

“We want the government to also consider urban allowances and a monthly bonus for civil servants,” he said.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng will present Budget 2020 on October 11, the second budget to be presented by the Pakatan Harapan government. – October 4, 2019.