CUEPACS wants MOSTI to postpone corporatisation of its three institutes

The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) has urged the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to postpone the corporatisation exercise for its three institution, scheduled on March 1.

The postponement is needed in view of the current economic uncertainties, said its president, Azih Muda.

The three institutions are the National Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals Malaysia (IPharm), Malaysia Agro-Biotechnology Institute (ABI) and Institute Genome Malaysia (MGI), which will then be incorporated into an institute, namely, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM).

Azih said if the ministry decides to proceed with the corporatisation exercise, it would be contrary to the government's commitment to look after the welfare of civil servants.

"We receive many complaints from employees of the three agencies who are hoping to continue as civil servants. In fact, the corporatisation had resulted in a freeze for positions since 2012," he told reporters at Wisma CUEPECS in Kuala Lumpur, Monday.

He disclosed that about 70 employees from the three affected institutes have not been consulted, but were only given the ultimatum of joining the corporate scheme or opt for early retirement.

"Regrettably, CUEPECS despite being an umbrella body for civil servants in Malaysia was not informed of the issue and only found out through complaints from employees," Azih said.

He said a meeting with MOSTI officials would be held Tuesday (Feb 18) and later with the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

In another development, Azih said CUEPECS will revive the Hospitalization Programme to be known as CUEPACS Care, after it was discontinued since 2009.

This is to ensure public servants are entitled to enjoy the best health treatments and facilities.

The Ministry of Finance had on Jan 27, agreed to provide a grant of RM9.2 million to CUEPECS in order to revive the programme.

Azih said since it was introduced in 1999, the programme that was implemented in collaboration with an insurance company, Sun Life Takaful Malaysia Berhad, had registered about 300,000 members.

"So far about 40,000 people have received treatment at private hospitals under the CUEPECS Care, thus enabling the government to save on cost of medical treatment for civil servants," he said.