PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for immediate changes into areas where reforms have not reached satisfactory levels at the civil service.
The Prime Minister said this includes reports by department or agency heads on negligence and sluggishness among officials.
“We want to see improvements in the merging of agencies and departments. Overlapping of positions, some of which are unnecessary, have also not reached a satisfactory level,” he said.After the announcement of a new salary scheme for civil servants last month, the Prime Minister asked for reforms to be carried out quickly so that there would be a positive shift in services.
He announced a 15% pay rise for civil servants under the management and professional category as well as a 7% salary hike for civil servants in upper management that would be paid in two phases.
Meanwhile, Anwar hinted that major reforms are set to take place within the civil service.
“I will discuss with the Chief Secretary to the Government and Public Service director-general measures to improve performance,” he said without elaborating.
“The administration I helm demands good governance, strong economy and (taking care of) the people’s well-being. This must be delivered,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly here yesterday.Anwar said speed and efficiency in delivery must also be improved to meet public demand.
“How fast we answer public queries and correspondence is important.
“We must constantly find ways to provide satisfactory service to the people. If our efficiency is 70% or 85%, why can’t we make it 95%?” he added.
On the concept of moderation that is being promoted, Anwar said it is meant to encourage people to be moderate in their actions and thinking, adding that one should not be extreme or judgemental and take a hard stand.
“It does not mean that we have to be average in our delivery, efficiency and work results,” he said.
The Prime Minister also welcomed newly appointed Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and called on civil servants to work with him as a team.
“We have a lot to do, especially in improving performance.
“This is why it is important for all civil servants to give their cooperation to the new KSN,” he said, referring to the Chief Secretary to the Government.Shamsul Azri’s appointment came following the retirement of Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali on Aug 10.
The 55-year-old was the Public-Private Partnership Unit director-general prior to the appointment and has been in public service for 30 years.
