THE termination of critical service incentive for 33 schemes effective next year has been put on hold for now, said Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

The decision was made by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today, said the youth and sports minister.

“I just had a meeting with the prime minister on the critical allowance matter.

“The PM has agreed to postpone the circular on the termination of the allowance and this matter will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting,” he said in a video posted on his social media.

The Public Service Department’s decision to cut the RM750 allowance for new hires in 33 categories of employees, including doctors, nurses, engineers, triggered a furious reaction from the stakeholders.
 
Those already drawing the allowance were assured that they would get to keep it until they end their service.
 
The allowance was introduced in 1992 for positions that were difficult to fill. A review this year showed that these positions no longer meet the criteria.

Syed Saddiq, who is the Bersatu Youth chief, had indicated his disapproval of the decision on Twitter. 

“We should (instead) review all the allowances given to politicians and ministers such as myself.

“Doctors, nurses and those in the critical sectors are already underpaid and overworked.”

The Muar MP vowed to cut his annual leave days and return “every sen” of his holiday allowance as well as to get the incentives of his colleagues reduced, too.

Yesterday PKR president Anwar Ibrahim urged the government to reconsider its decision to cut the critical service incentive from next year.

He said the matter must be discussed again in next year’s first cabinet meeting.
 
“The government must take into consideration the people’s worries and concerns,” he had said. – December 27, 2019.