The Malaysian Government has told its Public Servants that they must take the lead in advising on policies and strategies and stop relying on external consultants.
Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim said Chief Secretary to the Government, Mohd Zuki Ali had “made the matter clear” to the Public Service and had mentioned it repeatedly in meetings at the Prime Minister’s Department and the Ministry of Finance.
The Prime Minister said there should be no more dependency on third parties unless there was a lack of subject experts in the Government.
“This can be done with the Civil Servants providing research recommendations and findings for decision-making — guidelines on the matter have already been given to the public sector,” Mr Anwar said.
“I have faith in the ability of Civil Servants who have the experience, expertise, and even the academic qualifications.”
His comments came after his Government rejected suggestions that it take contract cleaners in schools and hospitals into the Public Service.
In answer to a question in Parliament, Minister for Special Functions, Armizan Ali said the cleaning operations had been privatised to reduce the Government’s financial burden.
“Taking this into account, it is much more suitable for the cleaning services to remain privatised,” Mr Armizan (pictured) said.
“The suggestion to absorb school and hospital cleaners as Civil Servants would also have financial implications, especially in the payment of pensions.”
This follows claims by the National Union of Workers in Hospital Support and Allied Services that its workers were not getting pay increases and their leave days were not tied to years of service.
Kuala Lumpur, 5 March 2023
