KUCHING: Sarawak is looking into establishing an endowment fund for the state’s public service.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is possible if the state’s financial position is strong.
“It is true that we in the government want to find ways to improve the civil service scheme (of salaries) so that it is relevant with the present time.
“This means that an approach that not only improves the position of the civil service, but whereby it must be relevant to your position as a trustee and implementer of government policies.
“If our economy is strong, we can certainly establish an endowment fund for public services. Other countries have done it too,” he said.
He said this during a Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Mei celebration hosted by the Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS) at the Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here on Tuesday (Feb 7).
Abang Johari, who is also Finance and New Economy Minister, reiterated that it is better for the state to create its own scheme of salaries for civil servants.
“If you study the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI Ranking) by Transparency International, there are 10 least corrupt countries which include Singapore, Sweden, Finland and Norway where they provide high salaries that are suitable to the positions and accountability of the holders in the public service.
“Therefore, I think Malaysia and Sarawak have to look from that angle, and I am confident that all these social problems in terms of corruption can be mitigated or abolished, so that we can be listed within the high-ranking countries by Transparency International,” said Abang Johari.
