Focus on attracting Chinese, Indians into public sector, say groups

SHAH ALAM - The government should find ways of attracting the Chinese and Indians into the civil service to strengthen harmony and unity in the government administration.

Malaysian Punjabi Youth Movement (GBPM) president Gupreet Singh said youths have started showing interests in the public service sector as it provides a work life balance provided.

"There is a large trend towards (working in) the public service sector due to annual leave, job security and better healthcare compared to the private sector.

"The youth previously preferred the private sector for its wages but times have changed and the long-term benefits are much more noteworthy for them.

"The government should focus on how to attract them," he said when contacted by Sinar on Monday.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy had recently urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reform the public service sector he said was dominated by Malays.

Congress of Unions of Employees in Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said the recruitment in the public service sector was based on candidate's competency and merits as set by the Public Services Commission (SPA).

The SPA had never stipulated the recruitment of civil servants meeting any quotas involving certain religions races, ethnicities or countries, said Cuepacs.

Malaysian Hindudharma Organisation (Maamandram) president A Radhakrishnan viewed no such double standard practices in the appointment of civil servants as there are many individuals other than Malays holding high positions.

"The top positions in the public service sector has a multitude of races involved but we hope the government can consider other communities (other than Malays) to be taken into account (for positions).

"The issue has long since been discussed but statistically the percentage (of civil servants) show it is lacking (compared to Malays) possibly through the lack of interest to enter the government," he said.

Radhakrishnan hoped the matter would be highlighted and confidence can be restored on the appointment of civil servants based on merits and qualifications.

"Having civil servants with a variety of background can strengthen harmony and unity in the government administration, we shouldn't ruin it with negative issues.

"The issue was brought up not to go against the government, but for it to be considered," he said.