NGOs welcome govt's move to reduce public sector spending

Non-governmental organisations lauded the government's action to reduce public expenditure from Jan 1, describing it as the right move to avoid wastage and save on the country's expenses.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk N. Marimuthu said the government should constantly audit its expenditure to ensure money was spent efficiently and effectively.

"We welcome the steps taken by the government to ensure that administrative costs are reduced and is a step that will lead the country in the right direction, especially in overcoming recession. For example, we can save a lot in terms of electricity and water," he told Bernama when asked to comment on the government's austerity measure.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday announced 11 measures to reduce public sector spending, including reducing the entertainment allowances of ministers and deputy ministers by 10 percent, effective Jan 1.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) Datuk Dr Maa'mor Osman said though the measures taken are good, the government should also reconsider the implementation of providing only economy class flight for officials on the Jusa C Grade and below.

The government must take into account the long-haul flights that will have a negative impact on public servants because it causes fatigue and can disrupt their health, especially those who are 50 years, he said.

His views were shared by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) president, Azih Muda, who said the government must look at the situation as a whole, especially the welfare of civil servants.

"Incentives should be maintained and their entitlement not disputed because the action is likely to leave a negative impact on their service," he said.