Why has Malaysia’s administrative assistant scheme stayed Grade 19 for 73 years?

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The Administrative Assistant Scheme Has Remained at Grade 19 for 73 Years Due to Significant Financial Implications

The administrative assistant service scheme in Malaysia has been maintained at Grade 19 for over 73 years primarily because a review and upgrade of the scheme would involve substantial financial implications for the government. This long-standing status quo has led to concerns, particularly regarding the entry-level salary of RM1,352 (excluding allowances) at Grade 19, which is considered to be at the poverty line. Despite these concerns, the union representing these employees argues that a review could ultimately lead to cost savings through better organisation of public service schemes.
Educational Entry Qualification Has Not Been Reviewed

The current educational entry qualification for administrative assistants remains the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). The Amalgamated Union of Employees in Government Clerical and Allied Services (AUEGCAS) has called for this qualification to be upgraded to the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) or its equivalent. This stagnation in entry requirements, coupled with the prolonged period at Grade 19, is seen as the root cause of the current salary issues.
Financial Implications Cited as Primary Obstacle

AUEGCAS has been informed that the main reason for not reviewing the administrative assistant scheme is the significant financial implication it would entail. While specific figures on these implications are not detailed, it is understood to be the primary deterrent for any proposed changes to the scheme's remuneration structure.
Union Argues Review Could Lead to Cost Savings

Despite the perceived financial burden, AUEGCAS posits that a review and reorganisation of the administrative assistant scheme could lead to long-term cost savings for the government. This perspective suggests that a streamlined structure could minimise overlapping duties within the public service and reduce the existing supervision hierarchy, which currently involves six layers. Such reorganisation, the union believes, would lead to more efficient use of manpower and time.
Engagement with Government Officials Underway

AUEGCAS has actively engaged with high-ranking government officials to advocate for a review of the administrative assistant service scheme. Meetings have been held with the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and the Director-General of the Public Services Department, Datuk Zulkapli Mohamed, to present their case and request a revision of the scheme's appointment conditions. These discussions involve approximately 350,000 administrative assistants who are members of the union and possess qualifications ranging from Bachelor's Degrees to PhDs.

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Why has Malaysia’s administrative assistant scheme stayed Grade 19 for 73 years?

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