19 hours ago
Zahid hopes Kemas permanent posts proposal included in budget 2026
PASIR SALAK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed hope that the proposal to absorb contract staff of the Community Development Department (Kemas) into permanent positions will be included in the 2026 Budget.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the plan was at the discussion stage and, if implemented, it would not involve the creation of new positions or any additional expenditure.
"If this is implemented, it can serve as a benchmark for other contract positions to be converted into permanent posts without pension benefits.
"We have requested for this to be expedited. If it brings benefits and does not create polemics, it is best to include it in the 2026 Budget," he told the media here on Sunday (Aug 17).
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid had officiated the Perak Kemas Santunan Desa Programme with the Village Development and Security Committee and the Kemas Community at Dewan Besar Bandar Baru Felcra Seberang Perak.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang; Special Officer to the Perak Menteri Besar for the Kampung Gajah state constituency, Khairul Azwan Harun, who is also Chairman of the Pasir Salak Parliamentary Kemas Community, as well as Kemas Director-General Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man, were also present.
On Feb27, Mohd Hanafiah stated that the department was in the process of submitting a proposal to the Public Service Department to absorb approximately 15,600 contract staff nationwide into permanent positions. – Bernama
