THE public service never set race as a determining factor in hiring or promoting civil servants, as claimed by certain quarters, Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat said.

He said the recruitment and appointment of staff in the public service are based on each candidate’s merit and competence, without involving quotas, as stipulated by the Public Services Commission (PSC).

“PSC has never stipulated that the recruitment of civil servants must meet any quota, including those involving certain religion, race, ethnicity and state,” he said in a statement today.

Recently, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy in a Facebook post urged the government to implement reforms in the public service sector as he claimed it is being dominated by Malays. 

Ramasamy urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to address the issue and ensure the public service reflects the ethnic makeup of the country. 

Anwar responded by saying the government will not consider the call for reforms to break Malay domination in the civil service as Putrajaya does not think it a problem.

Adnan said the lack of interest in joining the public service among non-Bumiputeras can be attributed to their view that civil service jobs come with low salaries.

“Previously, many people were not interested in joining the public service due to the low salary factor when compared with jobs in other fields. However, most of those who join the public service, especially in the security and defence sectors, do so out of patriotism and love for the country,” he said. 

He said civil servants who join the public service for patriotic reasons remain neutral and apolitical in carrying out their duties for the country and the people, regardless of their race.

“As civil servants, we hold fast to the concept of neutrality and professionalism and respect the principle of separation of powers in upholding the rule of law and the Federal Constitution,” he said.

He said Cuepacs welcomes the views and opinions of all quarters so it may improve the public service and attract people of other races to join the industry. – Bernama, February 12, 2023.