Lawmaker urges gov’t to improve civil service mobility and retirement benefits

Lawmaker Song Pek Kei has urged the government to further improve the civil service career system and mobility mechanisms, while calling for additional support measures to ease post-retirement pressures faced by frontline public servants.

In a written inquiry submitted to the Legislative Assembly (AL), Song said that although authorities have revised the civil service career framework and simplified career structures in recent years, problems remain in matching staff allocation with the actual needs of public services.

The government previously reduced the number of general civil service career tracks from 14 to eight and streamlined several specialized career categories, aiming to improve staff mobility and make better use of government manpower.

However, Song questioned whether the reforms had delivered the intended results, noting that frontline workers continue to face heavy workloads and that staffing shortages remain unresolved in some departments.

According to government data cited by the lawmaker, from the implementation of the current staff mobility mechanism in March 2023 until the end of February 2026, only 353 transfers and secondments had been recorded, involving 59 government departments.

Song said the limited number of cases indicated that the mechanism had not been fully effective in addressing manpower imbalances.

“Given the continued increase in administrative workload, the issue of frontline civil servants taking on multiple roles has not substantially improved,” she said, questioning whether the government would strengthen communication between departments to create a more effective environment for staff mobility.

Song also raised concerns about differences in retirement benefits between civil servants under different pension systems.

She noted that while various allowances have been adjusted in line with salary index changes, differences remain between the retirement and survivor pension system and the provident fund system, particularly regarding benefits such as housing allowances after retirement.

The lawmaker asked whether the government would consider broader measures beyond legislative amendments to improve support for retired civil servants, including social security policies, public employee benefits, and targeted assistance programs.

“Will the authorities consider introducing a housing allowance for provident fund scheme members who meet certain years-of-service requirements after retirement, in order to reduce the family and financial pressures faced by frontline workers?” Song questioned.

She said such measures could strengthen the cohesion and stability of the civil service workforce.

Meanwhile, Song also urged the government to accelerate reforms related to cross-career promotion mechanisms.

Currently, authorities are currently reviewing legislation on allowing promotion between different career tracks, with plans to complete the study and design of the proposal in the fourth quarter of 2027.

However, Song argued that the reform timeline may not match the urgent needs of government departments facing heavy workloads and staff turnover.

“Before launching the project, do the authorities have a concrete timetable and phased public consultation plan?” she asked.

She also suggested that the government consider introducing a pilot program for cross-career promotion to evaluate its effectiveness and make adjustments before implementing the final framework.

Song concluded that improving career development opportunities, staff mobility, and retirement protection would be essential to achieving the government’s goal of strengthening the civil service workforce and encouraging public servants to take on greater responsibilities.