PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has promised to prioritise the issue of salaries of civil servants once the economy improves.

Speaking at his monthly meeting with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar said he would be announcing a few good developments on the economy on Thursday. 

“I would like to thank the civil servants for their rapid response during the Johor floods. I did not need to give out orders, when I texted, the matter had already been carried out and in the next two days it was settled.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts. On the issue of increment, when the country’s income rises, I’ll make sure the salary (of civil servants) increases, but for this month it would be impossible,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The prime minister, however, assured he will give a clearer picture of how well things are – on income, what the country has gained and foreign investments – on Thursday, when he winds up his Budget 2023 speech in the Dewan Rakyat.

Anwar had previously said he was personally not satisfied with the salary and wages of public servants against their duties and commitment, adding that the rate of increment needed to be assessed based on the country’s present financial capabilities.

He said the country was facing a fiscal deficit of 5.6% and a total debt of about RM1.5 trillion, which needed to be given priority in order to ensure the country’s prosperity, especially from an economic point of view.

“These few months, when our return of RM2 billion, RM3 billion, RM8 billion entered the country’s coffers, not even one sen leaked, if it leaks you all know the things I will do.

“If the country’s coffers are sufficient, civil servants can trust me that I will give priority to your fate… because your service and dedication deserve better salaries and wages,” the prime minister added. – March 6, 2023.