I reckon it has a lot to do with 'your overall package'. I wrote a nice cover letter, and focused a lot on the relevant experience I had related to the job. I have a local pass (merit) degree too and am also with a sb.

Your performance and vibe that you give during the interview matters. Not to say that hons and grades are not important, I have to say that your progression naturally is slower than others. My 2nd upper junior (guy with ns and came in 1 year later than me) is already earning the same pay as me.

Of course you can argue that had I taken the extra year to do my hons I will probably would have been at the same paygrade as him la. My GPA is at the same level as a 2nd lower, just that i didn't take on honours year.

But generally on the whole, SB's seem to be more open and lenient when it comes to grade of honours. The interviews i went to are all SB's except for 2 ministries.