Latest news with #PublicServicesDepartment
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MCA questions sudden change in matriculation entry qualifications
PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry's sudden change in matriculation entry qualifications - where those who scored A- in their SPM examinations are not considered as attaining an A, and only A+ and A are accepted - is unfair, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "The question is why make this ad-hoc change in government policy, which, if true, will disappoint many Malaysians,' said the MCA president in a Facebook video on Friday (May 30). "On April 30th the Education Ministry released a circular which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook that only students with 10A with score of A+ and A (without A-) in all subjects will be given the automatic offer to enrol into matriculation program for the session of 2025/2026," said Dr Wee. He stated that this represented a significant shift from the government's policy since 2024, in which students with 10A in SPM would be allocated a place in matriculation, as recently announced by the Prime Minister. "However, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automatically given places, which is strange. "My question is, are these changes only for automatic entry to the matriculation? "Last year 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 10A. This year, 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 7A. "What is this?' asked Dr Wee. He said with these changes, the ministry has let down many students and the public, including outstanding Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli students from Sabah and Sarawak. "Now A- is not considered an A anymore. Why move the goalpost? "In Education Ministry standards, A+ is defined as exceptional, A as par excellence and A- as excellent. So, is an excellent grade (A-) no longer excellent?' said Dr Wee. He said that regarding all As as excellent was common sense, and was something which is practised worldwide. He asked what the policy would be next year, specifically regarding the Public Services Department scholarship. "Avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goals when people rely on the promised policy," Dr Wee stated.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cuepacs backs monthly payment plan under new SSPA pension scheme
Cuepacs backs monthly payment plan under new SSPA pension scheme KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has expressed support for the proposed monthly payment mechanism under the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), a contributory pension scheme. Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the Public Services Department's (PSD) proposal for a monthly payment mechanism, which mirrors the existing pension structure, would benefit new permanent civil servants who would no longer be covered under the conventional pension scheme. He said fiscal constraints had made it difficult for the government to sustain the current pension scheme for future appointments, although the union still regarded it as the best model for protecting retirees' welfare. "This approach reflects the government's ongoing concern for the welfare of public servants after retirement, offering long-term financial protection amid rising living costs and uncertain economic conditions," he said in a statement today. Adnan said that while some civil servants might prefer a one-off lump sum withdrawal similar to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) system, a monthly payout provided a more structured and secure method of managing retirement savings. "This would also help reduce the risk of overspending or depleting retirement funds too quickly," he added. To ensure fairness and sustained protection for future retirees, Adnan said the union proposed that civil servants be given the flexibility to choose the form of payout most suitable to their needs. "We also suggest that a hybrid model, combining both lump sum and monthly payments, be considered. "The government's contribution rate under the new scheme should also be sufficient to ensure that retirees can meet their basic needs, with benefits comparable to those of the current pension system." He said Cuepacs would continue to participate actively in discussions with the government to ensure that any new retirement scheme reflects the voices of civil servants and delivers long-term benefits to all stakeholders. Yesterday, Public Services Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which will replace the current pension scheme, is expected to retain the existing monthly payment method. Under the system, civil servants who reach the retirement age will receive monthly payments, similar to the existing pension method, rather than a lump sum withdrawal. Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the proposal had also been agreed upon by the Finance Ministry and the EPF. The Cabinet had previously agreed that new permanent positions in the public service would no longer be pensionable, with new recruits to be appointed on a contract basis starting from Feb 1.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
New merit-based sponsorship model introduced by JPA
PETALING JAYA: The Public Services Department (JPA) will introduce a new academic merit-based sponsorship model for the pre-service training (LSP) programme. In a statement issued on Monday (April 28), JPA said the new sponsorship model, called PBU Akademik, will take effect on June 1, 2025, for JPA-sponsored students excluding those in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The new model replaces the 2016 service placement merit-based convertible loan or PBU 2016. Students will benefit from reduced loan repayment rates based on their final cumulative grade point average (CGPA) scores. "For students obtaining a CGPA of 3.75 to 4.00, they will repay only 5% of their loans, while those with a CGPA between 3.50 and 3.74 will pay 10%. "Repayment rates are set at 15% for a CGPA between 3.00 and 3.49, and 20% for those with a CGPA below 3.00 or who take longer to complete their studies. "Students who score below a 3.00 CGPA or fail will be required to repay the full loan amount," the statement read. JPA added that students who secure employment in the public sector aligned with their qualifications will be fully exempt from repaying the remaining loan balance. Meanwhile, students pursuing medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy will receive full loan exemption if they successfully complete their studies and fulfil their government service contract. "If the students fail to complete their studies or fulfil the terms and conditions of the contract, it will result in full loan repayment," it said. The new model applies to all new JPA-sponsored students starting June 1, 2025, except for scholarship recipients. JPA said current students under the existing scheme (PBU 2016) will have the option to switch to the new model in stages, beginning January 1, 2026. "For students who completed their studies and are currently repaying loans under the old scheme, they are instructed to pause payments starting June 1, 2025, until the option to switch is available," it said.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Salt Lake City relaunches ‘palooza' to tackle pesky spring potholes
This winter was one of Salt Lake City's least snowy on record, but that didn't stop seasonal roadway damage from happening. A mix of heavy moisture and temperatures bouncing back and forth from record-breaking to below-freezing still wreaked havoc on the 1,905 miles of road the city manages. 'The freeze-thaw cycle, in addition to the stress put (on the asphalt) by driving on the roads, leaves behind many potholes at the end of the season — very noticeable, some of them,' said Jorge Chamorro, director at Salt Lake City's Public Services Department, as he stood by a weathering road near the Jordan River trail in Glendale on Wednesday morning. And while flowers are blooming, trees are budding and birds are singing, spring can be a nightmare for drivers. 'This is one of the worst times of the year to drive,' said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. 'Every mile matters because we have residents, businesses and visitors that use all of them.' Moments later, she pitched in as a road crew got to work filling in some of the cracks in the road with asphalt. This week marks Salt Lake City's third annual 'Pothole Palooza,' during which the city's Streets Services Division puts all its resources into repairing as many damaged spots as possible in a week. They've already filled over 3,300 potholes since Monday and hope to match or break last year's mark of 6,759. The event was created in 2023 after the state's record-breaking snowfall created all sorts of road problems, but it became popular enough to bring back. The city recently invested in a truck that holds all the repair equipment in one vehicle to help crews move to each site faster and reduce the number of vehicles impacting roadways. Yet, since the city deals with so many roads and miles of lanes, Chamorro said his department relies heavily on public feedback on what areas need repairs. People can report potholes through the city's app or website, or by calling 801-535-2345, and teams will add it to the list. Online users are asked to share the location of the problem area, submit a photo and other relevant details. Residents can also track progress online through a city website. Although the palooza ends on Friday, the city still plans on filling many more potholes in the summer months. It just might take a little longer for crews to respond. The city ended up repairing more than 38,000 problem areas in 2024. Even though SB195 will hold up some roadway construction projects originally planned for this year, Mendenhall said it shouldn't impact any pothole repair work later this year. 'We have a crew throughout the year that dedicates solely their time to filling potholes,' Chamorro adds. 'We have a goal that between 48 and 72 hours, that pothole gets filled.'
Sharjah 24
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler accepts Ramadan greeting from RAK CP, well-wishers
On this occasion, His Highness received congratulations from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah; His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; His Excellency Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; along with senior state officials, representatives from academic and sports institutions, dignitaries, citizens, and residents. The well-wishers conveyed their heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Ramadan, praying to Allah Almighty to bless His Highness with good health, happiness, and prosperity. They also prayed for continued growth and success for the UAE, its leadership, and its people, as well as for blessings and prosperity for the Arab and Islamic nations. The reception was attended by Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Advisor to the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Petroleum Department; His Excellency Rashid Ahmed bin Al Sheikh, Chief of the Emiri Court, and senior officials and heads of government departments and bodies.
