PSD fast-tracking one-off promotions for 12,000 civil servants

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Service Department (PSD) is expediting a one-off promotion exercise for 12,000 civil servants announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under the 2027 Budget.

PSD deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Mohd Shaiful Ibrahim said the department was working to implement the exercise, which involves officers in the management and professional group, as soon as possible.

However, he said no timeline had been finalised.

"We are still looking at the overall process. I cannot announce how long it will take.

"But we will do it as soon as possible because many agencies are involved," he told reporters after the 2026 Serambi Budi Daya Munsyi Muda Bahasa programme at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan).

Shaiful said eligible officers would still have to meet the usual promotion requirements, including having good performance records and no disciplinary action.

"They must meet the usual promotion criteria, including having a good performance record and no disciplinary action.

"They must still go through the promotion process," he said.

He said the exercise would cover eligible officers across the civil service, rather than being limited to specific ministries or positions.

Anwar announced the one-off promotions under the personal-to-holder arrangement when tabling the 2027 Budget earlier this month.

The initiative aims to recognise high-performing civil servants whose career progression has been affected by limited vacancies in higher positions.

Under the personal-to-holder arrangement, eligible officers can be promoted without the need for an existing vacancy at the higher grade.