PM urges public officials not to become complacent as there is more work to be done

Despite the civil service’s competence, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes there is still room for improvement.

In the first meeting of its sort this year, he reminded more than 1,000 top civil workers from various ministries and government departments at Puspanitapuri Dewan de Seri Endon here Friday, January 3, that complacency should be avoided.

Anwar argues that it would be futile to improve efficiency if the public’s wait time for government services remains unchanged.

In order to create a competent and well-trained second tier, he also urged senior public servants to make sure that younger civil servants receive greater training and opportunity to advance their abilities in all sectors.

Over the past two years, there haven’t been any significant controversies. The public service has a duty to improve the nation’s performance and economy, and the Madani government is all about values.

We should address and strengthen our weaknesses. We should provide opportunities to equip and develop civil personnel with the necessary skills.

The strength of civil servants should take precedence over the theoretical framework.

“We should expose young civil workers to further training, both domestically and abroad, beyond just academic degrees.

We must offer all levels of technical training. “Among the developing nations, our civil service team must be exemplary,” he said.

Anwar also urged the highest authorities to investigate the payment for government-contracted work.

“Wages ought to be equitable. The purpose of the revised Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) was to recognize civil officials’ contributions.

Civil servants must, however, be dynamic and not stagnate. Being thankful does not mean staying in our comfort zones. Being the best should be our goal.

“We anticipate better service, including expedited approvals (for the public),” he continued.

Under the updated SSPA, civil servants received a salary increase of up to 42.7% last year.

During his speech, Anwar also urged state officials to avoid listening to propaganda and to obtain their information from reliable sources.

“The discussion of race and religion is overwhelming me. Those who care about their constituents shouldn’t consider religion or race. If assistance is required, there should be no discrimination based on race or religion.

He remarked, “I hope civil servants will cooperate to explain to those who criticize.”