Ahmad Zahid Hopes KEMAS Permanent Posts Proposal Included In Budget 2026

PASIR SALAK, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed hope that the proposal to absorb contract staff of the Community Development Department (KEMAS) into permanent positions will be included in the 2026 Budget.  

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the plan is currently at the discussion stage and if implemented, it would not involve the creation of new positions or any additional expenditure.  

“If this is implemented, it can serve as a benchmark for other contract positions to be converted into permanent posts without pension benefits.  

“We have requested for this to be expedited. If it brings benefits and does not create polemics, it is best to include it in the 2026 Budget,” he told the media here today.  

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid had officiated the Perak KEMAS Santunan Desa Programme with the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) and the KEMAS Community at Dewan Besar Bandar Baru Felcra Seberang Perak.  

Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; Special Officer to the Perak Menteri Besar for the Kampung Gajah state constituency, Khairul Azwan Harun, who is also Chairman of the Pasir Salak Parliamentary KEMAS Community, as well as KEMAS Director-General Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man.

On Feb 27, Mohd Hanafiah said the department was in the process of submitting the proposal to the Public Service Department (JPA) to absorb approximately 15,600 contract staff nationwide into permanent positions.  

-- BERNAMA