What these new appointments in the government means to the public?

WITH THE recent appointment of Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar as Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN), there is renewed hope for administrative reforms aimed at improving the performance of public servants. 

        On September 4, 2024, Shamsul implemented a significant reshuffle, changing the chief secretaries of several key ministries that required new leadership.

       With the Chief Secretary to the Government leading by example through "Management by Walkabout (MBWA)" as I discussed in my article on November 13, 2022), we can expect to see more surprise visits by top officials to monitor staff performance and ensure public service standards are maintained. 

        The goal is for this proactive approach to become ingrained in the culture of public administration, encouraging accountability and preventing complacency. Let's hope these visits do not become just a short-lived initiative, or as the Malay proverb warns, "Hangat-hangat tahi ayam"—a burst of enthusiasm that quickly fades.

        This move reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (PMX) determination to transform Malaysia’s 1.6 million public servants into a driving force that will help realise the nation’s aspiration of becoming a first-world country. The reshuffle is also intended to make Malaysia more attractive to investors.

        Furthermore, the government has shown a clear stance against corruption and bribery. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stepped up its efforts to apprehend both the givers and recipients who are involved in corrupt practices, regardless of their position or status. 

        With Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Maidin Pitchay clearly outlining his vision as the next Inspector-General of Police, there is renewed hope for a thorough clean-up of the police force. 

        The public has long anticipated reforms, and his leadership signals a commitment to addressing internal corruption and inefficiencies within the force. His clarity and resolve in tackling these challenges offer the public reassurance that much-needed change is on the horizon for law enforcement in Malaysia.

         The same is with the public servants. For years, Malaysians have expressed dissatisfaction with public servants who were perceived as impolite or inefficient, especially in comparison to the private sector. 

        To address one of the public sector’s long-standing grievances—lower wages compared to the private sector—PMX has approved a 15% salary adjustment. This is meant to motivate public servants to work harder for the country’s development. 

        Those who demonstrate high performance within the public sector will have the opportunity to further advance in rank and salary, indicating that PMX’s leadership will prioritise merit over seniority. 

        Shamsul’s appointment underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing a productive and efficient public service.

        It will take time before we see tangible results from the reforms aimed at transforming the work culture of public servants. 

        Changing deeply ingrained habits and practices in a large bureaucracy is a gradual process that requires consistent effort, leadership, and accountability. 

        These reforms must be accompanied by proper training, new systems of evaluation, and a shift in mindset across all levels of government service. While expectations are high, patience is necessary as the new policies take root and begin to yield positive outcomes.