16 November 2024

Civil service promotions will be more streamlined and hinge on stringent merit-based criteria under the public service Remuneration System (SSPA), which aims to redefine career advancements within the public sector.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said any officer considered for promotion must be skilled, knowledgeable, experienced and prepared for added responsibilities.

In an interview with the Media Prima Bhd group on Thursday, he said the government envisioned a public service sector that was well-equipped to meet Malaysia's evolving socio-economic demands.

Promotions, he said, were also dependent on a civil servant's grade.

Shamsul Azri said that while seniority was often a factor in determining career advancement within the sector, the phased implementation of the SSPA sought to cultivate a high-performance, accountable culture, catering to the career development needs of public servants.

"For the government, the most Important thing is teamwork.

I've always said that I don't believe in (the concept of) a single hero.

"We want to avoid any disharmony within the service.

"Sometimes, suddenly having a new superior can create tension within the team, so promotions should be reviewed thoroughly," he said.

Shamsul Azri said productivity within the public sector must match the new standards.

"We've identified several strategies, including leveraging 'low-hanging fruit to enhance productivity and strengthen our service delivery over the next five years."

On addressing perceptions of Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar says there are clear performance metrics to ensure accountability across the board, PIC BY MOHD FAOL HAMZAH leniency in handling disciplinary issues and the low dismissal rate within the civil service, Shamsul Azri said the new SSPA frame work would tackle such concerns decisively.

"If an individual wishes to continue serving, the person must demonstrate commitment, integrity and dedication," he said.

"We have implemented clear performance metrics to ensure accountability across the board," he said.

On Aug 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the introduction of a new civil service remuneration system, known as the SSPA, that would take effect from Dec 1.

The SSPA Introduces compre hensive reforms covering salary adjustments, job rotations, position rationalisation, reduction of redundant functions, review of outdated regulations and benefits, as well as optimising resources and costs to enhance service efficiency.

Shamsul Azri also touched on the importance of federal-state relations, saying that it was key towards making Malaysia's civil service reforms a success.

He said that without the active involvement of state govern rements and local authorities, reforms would remain a federal initiative with limited impact across the nation.

He said all state secretaries would gather to formally pledge their commitment to the reform agenda.

This, he said, would be made official through the "Kuala Lumpur Declaration" initiative, set to be launched on Nov 23 as part of the two-year Madani government anniversary celebration.

Shamsul Azri said the declaration called for the commitment from all parties, regardless of their political ideology, to prioritise the welfare of the people.

"Malaysia's civil service reforms are aimed at providing the best possible service to all citIzens, irrespective of the political parties in power at the state level," he said.

Shamsul Azri said the declaration was a crucial step towards ensuring a unified and effective approach to governance.

"This (the reforms) goes be yond the federal government and requires the collaboration of all levels of government to bring about lasting change," he said.

A three-day programme to celebrate two years of the Madani government will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here from Nov 22 to 24.

The programme, which includes the 2024 National Public Service Reform Convention, is being organised by the Prime Minister's Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation.

Anwar will officiate at the event, themed "Madani Di Hati, Rakyat Disantuni", on Nov 23.

Source: New Straits Times