KUALA LUMPUR: Dismissing claims that race is the determining factor in hiring or promoting civil servants, Cuepacs maintains that the recruitment and appointment of staff in the public service is based on merit.

Its president Datuk Adnan Mat (pic) said as stipulated by the Public Services Commission (SPA), appointments in the civil service were based on merit and the candidates’ competence without involving quota.

“SPA has never stipulated that the recruitment of civil servants must meet any quota, including those involving certain religions, races, ethnicities or states.

“On the contrary, it depends on the individual’s own wishes, interests and inclinations,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.

Adnan was responding to Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy who in a Facebook posting had urged the government to carry out reforms in the public service sector which he claimed was being dominated by the Malays.

He also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to immediately address the issue and ensure that the public service reflected the country’s ethnic composition.

Anwar had since said that the government would not consider the call for reforms to break the Malay domination in the civil service, adding that it did not view the matter as an issue.

Bernama also quoted Adnan as saying that the lack of interest among non-bumiputras in joining the public service could be attributed to the perception of low salaries compared to those in the private sector or doing business.

“Previously, many people were not interested in joining the public service due to the low salary factor compared to jobs in other fields.

“However, most who join the public service, especially in the security and defence sectors, do so out of patriotism and love for the country,” he said.

Adnan said due to that factor, civil servants had remained neutral and non-political in carrying out their duties for the country and the people regardless of their race.

Cuepacs, he said, always welcomed the views and opinions of all quarters to improve the public service to attract other races.

“As civil servants, we are holding 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.”

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/13/civil-service-recruitment-based-on-merit-says-cuepacs