M'sians opting for government jobs due to security in salary and benefits

SHAH ALAM - Malaysians are opting for government jobs for its security in salary and benefits.

Malaysian Employers Federation President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said its indeed good news that many people are interested in joining the government.

"It means the confidence level towards the government today is high, maybe the security in salary and benefits are also attractive

"The working conditions are better, good retirement benefits and promotions based on time or years of experience. So if these meets what the individuals wants, of course they will go for it," he told Sinar Daily.

He was referring to the 1,960,261 applications for public service vacancies received by the Public Service Commission (SPA).

When asked on why Malaysians especially youths are not going after private sector jobs, Syed said it might be due to the 'competitiveness' and sometimes uncertainty in the global market.

"Working conditions in the private sector differ and the challenges are high.

"So if someone feels that this meet their needs and they want to take up the challenge, they may venture into private sector," he reasoned.

Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia economist Dr K Kuperan Viswanathan said the desire to work in the public (government) sector or the private sector is an individual preference.

"Some people like to serve the government as they are happy with the pace of life in the public sector as well as the security that comes with a public sector job.

"They are also happy with the remuneration that they get from the public sector and the potential of receiving a pension when they retire," he said.

Kuperan added that most are competent to work in the public sector or private sector.

"It does not take great capability or intelligence to work in most jobs.

"What is required is mainly discipline, good attitudes, desire to work in groups and a willingness to learn.

"If people are educated up to high school or university level, their skills will be sufficient for most jobs either in the private sector or public sector," he said.

Therefore, Kuperan said people have the right to be secure and to choose jobs that are secure and well paying as this is a natural inclination.

"If the economy grows there will be sufficient jobs both in the private and public sectors.

"The choice to work in whichever sector is largely an individual preference and there is nothing wrong with that.

"In the end economic growth is important to generate jobs," he said.