PM Anwar announces new Grade 1 to 5 promotion pathway for 125,000 clerical civil servants by January 1, 2027
PUTRAJAYA: The government is set to introduce a structured promotion pathway for approximately 125,000 Administrative, Clerical and Finance Assistants in the civil service, enabling eligible officers to advance from Grade 1 through to Grade 5, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
Anwar made the announcement during his address at the monthly assembly of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), saying the initiative was designed to address gaps in career progression for lower-grade civil servants who make up a significant share of the public sector workforce.
While acknowledging that salary improvements had already been delivered through the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), the Prime Minister said further action was needed to meaningfully uplift those in the lower pay categories.
“Although there were increases under SSPA, there is still a need to improve the situation of those in the lower categories,” he said, adding that he had directed the Public Service Department to develop and formalise the Grade 1 to Grade 5 promotion framework for the affected staff.
Under the proposed scheme, officers seeking promotion would be required to complete a short training course lasting approximately two to three weeks. The training is intended to equip participants with updated competencies, with a particular emphasis on information technology skills relevant to the evolving demands of the public service.
Anwar was candid about the rationale behind the training condition. “If you want a higher promotion but refuse training, that would not make sense,” he said.
The government is targeting a six-month window to complete the training rollout, with the full promotion exercise slated for implementation by January 1 next year.