KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) — Malaysia is targeting a leap into the top 15 of the International Public Service Index, on par with developed countries such as South Korea, as part of efforts to transform the nation’s administrative machinery into one of the best in the world.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the target was set to ensure that the country’s public service was not only efficient, but also recognised globally, in line with the MADANI Government’s reform agenda.
“Based on the Blavatnik Index released by Oxford University, Malaysia is currently ranked 40th. I have told the Prime Minister that during my tenure, I will try to bring Malaysia at least on par with South Korea at number 15,” he said on RTM’s ‘Bicara Naratif’ programme tonight.
According to him, achieving the goal will require a paradigm shift among civil servants, who must consistently go to the ground to understand the pulse and sentiments of the people.
To drive the reform agenda, he said the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA), which focuses on five main thrusts, has been launched, covering the appreciation of values and governance, human capital development, service delivery, and public-private synergy.
Shamsul Azri said that as proof of the government’s commitment and appreciation towards the people, the mega programme “Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku” would be held in Putrajaya from Dec 5 to 7 in conjunction with the third anniversary of the Unity Government administration.
This year’s programme focuses on three key objectives: evaluating and showcasing the progress of ARPA and the Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR), strengthening the culture of performance, integrity and empathy in the public service, and enhancing collaboration between the government, private sector and the people through a whole-of-nation approach.
“The phrase ‘Bersama Malaysiaku’ reflects that no one is left behind. It encompasses all segments of society—from children to youths, to workers and senior citizens—where everyone is included under the government’s outreach,” he said.
In conjunction with that, the National Public Service Reform Convention will be held, featuring five forum sessions discussing critical issues including bureaucratic reforms and the direction of the MADANI Government.
Shamsul Azri said initiatives such as the convention were important to provide clarity on ongoing reform efforts aimed at achieving the global target.
— BERNAMA