Cuepacs: SPM-level jobs for degree holders an unfair move

The Star
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
mazwin@thestar.com.my

5/7/2012

PETALING JAYA: Cuepacs is against the Public Service Commission's move to allow degree holders to apply for positions meant for SPM holders as it will limit job opportunities for those holding the certificate.Its president Datuk Omar Osman, who described the move as a step backward, said even though 80% of posts in the civil service was for those with SPM and below, it did not mean degree holders should apply for these jobs.

“We do not know what the commission's rationale is for introducing this ruling but we don't think it makes sense at all. We do not support this idea,” he said in an interview.The PSC had announced that effective July 1, degree holders would be allowed to apply and hold positions meant for SPM holders.The commission, on its website, explained the ruling would allow all applicants to compete for positions without having to face restrictions due to their qualification, adding that applicants could apply for positions that were two levels lower than their qualification.

Omar said that there had been previous attempts to employ degree holders to do jobs for which they were over-qualified but in most cases, the staff left when they got an offer that matched their paper qualifications.“It is unfair to allow degree holders to take on jobs held by those with SPM. Furthermore, there is a question of ego to consider because some people do not like to take instructions from those who are not their level.

“Also, the Government should promote those who started work as SPM holders but have obtained degrees since. Many are still stuck doing administrative assistant jobs when they should have been promoted,” he said.

On another ruling whereby one could now apply for 15 positions at one go, Omar said this was acceptable provided the job sought was according to one's qualification.