Dzulkefly: New scheme will not spur decrease in workforce

Dzulkefly: New scheme will not spur decrease in workforce

PUTRAJAYA: The proposed new salary scheme for civil servants will not lead to an increase in the attrition rate for medical officers in government hospitals, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

In fact, he pointed out that there had been a drop in the attrition rate compared to previous years.

“From 2023 to this year, out of 10,000, we have made over 6,300 permanent offers,” Dr Dzulkefly said after giving his 2024 mandate speech at the ministry yesterday.

He said that the new scheme should not be viewed negatively, explaining that individuals contributing to the Employees Provident Fund may receive significant gains.

“It’s essential not to view it negatively or as a disadvantage; by putting it into perspective, there is a choice (for the people),” he added.

The new salary scheme, which is expected to be announced by the Public Service Department within this year, is applicable only to new hires.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had explained that new civil servants would be recruited on a contract basis for an interim period before the Cabinet approves a new policy of non-pensionable permanent employment.

On the current debate over the Federal Government’s plans to abolish pension payments for new hires in the civil service, Dr Dzulkefly said that everyone had the right to give their suggestions.

“If this matter is raised in the Dewan Rakyat, the responsible minister will address the concerns.

“We can discuss this in Parliament, where government backbenchers and Opposition members can raise the issue,” he said.

Dr Dzulkefly also spoke about improvements being made in the appointment process for medical graduates as housemen in public hospitals.

“In the past, they had to endure a waiting period of up to two years to receive housemanship offers, but now the waiting time has been reduced to just two months,” said the Health Minister.

This comes after Malaysia Medics International urged the Federal Government to expedite the appointment process in response to reported shortages in certain health facilities in the country.