Pay rise = ?????

Big Pay Rise

Up 7.5% to 35 %: Civil servants nationwide cheered as the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced a pay increase and the doubling of cost of living allowances. Abdullah said the pay rise could be given because of the economic growth of 5.6%, the effect of fuel prices, positive trends of Bursa Malaysia and improved tax collection.

> Salaries to increase between 7.5% for senior management and 35% for category two support staff;

> 100% increase in cost of living allowance (Cola);

> Police and army personnel to get additional 20% on the increase; and

> Pensions will be adjusted accordingly.

On a personal note its already time for an adjustment, but at the above rate will productivity increase? Improved service? I doubt it. It remains to be seen whether things will change. No offence to government servants but i dont see much of them doing anything. I remember the PM saying after the last election, the government works for the people not the other way round. I still dont see that.

The thing that is lingering in my head rite now is when can i expect to see a increase in oil prices? I have feeling it might be after the elections. make the government servants happy vote for the ruling party and increase prices later on....hope i'm wrong.