MALAYSIA
The new Malaysian Government has given the most detailed indications yet of its plans for the Public Service when it says it wants to “right-size” rather than “downsize” the institution.
In its mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan 2016–2020, the Government said it will “intensify initiatives pertaining to reforming public sector institutions to right-size the Public Service and augment talent management”.
It said the Government would continue to rationalise public sector institutions by establishing a special task force to conduct a comprehensive audit and review across public sector institutions and Agencies.
“This task force will be led by the Chief Secretary to the Government to assess the roles and functions of various entities including statutory bodies and State-owned enterprises,” the Government said.
“The aim is to allow optimal resource utilisation in the sector by right-sizing and increasing the efficiency of the Public Service.”
The Government said public sector institutional reforms would also entail rationalisation of Malaysian missions abroad “involving the review of the existing structures, posts and functions of the various Malaysian representative offices worldwide”.
“Other steps to reform the public sector include strengthening talent management, customising performance assessment, promoting career development as well as improving the work–life balance of Public Servants.”
The Government report underlined the introduction of legislation to govern the Public Service as part of the reform.
“The legislation aims to enable Public Servants to serve the Government, Parliament and the people transparently and accountably,” it said.
“The legislation will also empower Public Servants to carry out their duties and responsibilities without fear or favour.”
Kuala Lumpur, 20 October 2018
