DO not let the handful of civil servants who have yet to get the Covid-19 jab affect the focus on national development, said Public Service Department (PSD) Director-General Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.

He said the number of unvaccinated civil servants by departments is merely a small slice of the total 1.6 million government officials.

PSD has ordered the respective heads of departments to take appropriate action according to the circular and stipulated guidelines, he added.

“The department’s primary focus is towards the smooth execution of the 12th Malaysia Plan, Budget 2022 and development.

“The Budget has been tabled and allocations, provided.

“Civil servants should be ready to assist in and implement government policies and projects to rehabilitate the economy. The public service plays a key role in national development.”

In another development, Khairul Adib said the government will look into a World Bank proposal on extending the retirement age of civil servants past 60 years old.

“There is a proposal (on raising the retirement age) from World Bank in stages, which is year by year depending on the health of civil servants and improving health facilities.

“Many are still able to serve after 60 years old, so we will review the proposal. But it has to be balanced with the 500,000 graduates coming out of the higher education system every year.” – Bernama, November 25, 2021.