NWC ALLOWANCES (Consolidation into basic salaries)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Finance whether and when he intends to consolidate the various NWC increases into the basic salaries.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, in the recent Budget debate, I replied to a similar question raised by the Honourable Member for Moulmein. As I said then, the consolidation of NWC allowances into basic salaries is a major exercise and requires careful consideration. While some preliminary preparation has been made for such consolidation, we are not yet ready for this consolidation. When we are ready, instructions will be issued to Ministries and Departments at the appropriate time.