Size of civil service in accordance with Federal Constitution - Ali Hamsa

The large size of the civil service in this country is in accordance with what is stipulated by the Federal Constitution.

Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Ali Hamsa said the definition of civil servants include members of security forces such as the police, military and medical personnel.

"They (The Edge Market ) referred to the size of the civil service in this country (which) is 1.6 million. We have the definition set out in our constitution. Teachers, soldiers, policemen are included but other countries do not include police and military personnel in the civil service.

"For example, in United Kingdom (UK), health services are not included (in civil service). The prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) has requested Public Service Department director-general (Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman) to issue a statement on this matter in order to compare ''apple with apple'', " he told reporters here, today.

The Edge Market recently claimed government emoluments would rise to RM184 billion in 2027 from RM77.42 billion estimated in 2017 due to the large number of civil servants.

Earlier, he was present at the presentation of house keys to recipients of 1Malaysia Civil Servants Housing (PPA1M) project at Taman Berlian, Rantau.

The house keys were handed over by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

--BERNAMA