KUALA LUMPUR: The Govern­ment is always willing to listen to the demands of civil servants, but they should return the favour by improving their productivity and supporting the Government.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi likened the relationship between the two parties to that of parents and children.

“We might have different opinions from our parents. But don’t add to the misery by kicking our feet or hitting our heads.

“As parents, they should be respected,” he said in his opening speech at the 27th Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) convention yesterday.

Using anecdotes of high and low tides, he said there were many demands from various parties and that such demands should take into consideration the challenges faced by the Government.

“When the tide is high, I am sure the Prime Minister will listen to all demands from you but for now, when someone knocks your parents’ heads, find a medicine to cure the swelling ... don’t take a stick and hit their heads further,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said he was willing to raise some demands from the civil servants’ union such as reviewing allowances to the Cabinet.

He said Human Resources Minis­ter Datuk Seri Richard Riot would be tasked with raising the issues in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting.

Other issues raised by Cuepacs included the formation of a National Wages Consultative Council for civil servants.

“I will remind the minister to bring the issue of allowances, which has not been reviewed in 14 years, to the Cabinet,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

Earlier, Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda raised several demands for the Government to look into.

Among them were insurance coverage for civil servants and a time-based promotion for civil servants.

“We hope a mechanism can be introduced under the Social Secu­rity Organisation or other organisations, with the Government subsidising the premium together with civil servants,” he added.

Resource : The Star Online