Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed the Community Development Department (KEMAS) director-general to ensure that all key positions within the department attain permanent status to enhance the service scheme and protect the welfare of its personnel. Ahmad Zahid, who serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized the need for improvements to the KEMAS teacher service scheme, including the provision of more attractive salaries and allowances.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated, "I have instructed the director-general of KEMAS (Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man) to take care of the new service scheme for all KEMAS teachers with more attractive salaries and allowances." He acknowledged that the current service scheme approved by the Public Service Department (PSD) has placed KEMAS in contract positions. Therefore, he has directed the director-general to transition all key positions in KEMAS to permanent roles.
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while officiating the KEMAS Skills Day and the Negeri Sembilan Alpha Gen and Talent@KEMAS Programme, with the event also attended by Hanafiah. He highlighted KEMAS as one of the most community-active departments under his ministry, which has consistently proven its capabilities in human capital development for over six decades.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted the international recognition KEMAS has received for early childhood education, which underscores the dedication of its teachers and staff, despite facing numerous challenges. He acknowledged that while some KEMAS classes may have limited facilities, the commitment of the teachers and staff has enabled the agency to achieve progress and gain global recognition.
Ahmad Zahid also commented on the programme organized today, which demonstrated KEMAS' commitment not only to students and teachers but also to parents and the local community. He remarked, "This means that for six decades KEMAS has been at the forefront of society, it has shown that we should never underestimate the capabilities of KEMAS throughout the country."