KUCHING: Sarawak’s salary adjustment for its civil servants must align with that at the federal level.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state is still awaiting further details from the federal government on the matter.
“If we implement the salary adjustment and if it is not aligned with those (salary policies) in Putrajaya, it will be difficult.
“As for Sarawak, we are prepared to implement the salary increase. However, we do not have the specifics yet.
“The implementation of the salary adjustment depends on what the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announces in the Federal Budget. It will be revealed during the Budget presentation. So, I have to wait for their Budget,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Premier’s Department ‘Ibadah Qurban’ Ceremony held at Wisma Sabati here.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Finance and New Economy, reiterated the importance of aligning Sarawak’s salary adjustments with those made in Putrajaya.
“We hope that further details will be provided soon so that Sarawak can implement this salary adjustment promptly,” he said.
When asked about Malaysia’s potential membership in the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Abang Johari said the country could consider joining.
“As I know, this is a new economic grouping and it aims to adopt a collaborative approach to managing their economies, where each country leverages its own strengths. Additionally, they are looking to establish a common currency.
“Whether Malaysia will join, it is up to the federal government. And if the country decides to join, it might be because we are positioned in the centre and we then follow the policies.
“Perhaps the Prime Minister sees the important countries in Asia, namely China and India.
“Therefore, as an Asian country with a developing economy, even though Malaysia is not as large, I think it is something that can be considered,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar Ibrahim was reported as saying that Malaysia would soon begin formal procedures to join BRICS.
