Kuala lumpur: The RM25 million allocation to the Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) under Budget 2026 is set to enhance its efforts in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of policy reforms and strategic initiatives in a comprehensive and integrated manner, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He noted that STAR, now in its third year, has achieved several significant milestones, including the Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform initiative.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri, who also leads STAR, stated that the reform had coordinated over 1,000 projects, resulting in compliance cost savings of more than RM1.1 billion and improving Malaysia's standing in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR). The efforts have had a direct impact on the public by facilitating easier access to government services through the implementation of initiatives like the Sentuhan MADANI Kiosk.
Shamsul Azri emphasized that STAR will continue to focus on accelerating the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA) by valuing outcomes and developing talent competencies in new fields such as cryptography, quantum technology, futures thinking, and scenario planning. He further highlighted the strategic refinement of the organizational structure and the intensification of digitalization to enhance service delivery efficiency.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Shamsul Azri mentioned that the allocation would focus on the comprehensive digitalization of public services and accelerating infrastructure and innovation initiatives. The Prime Minister's challenge to civil servants includes speeding up processes, re-engineering systems, removing inter-agency silos, and focusing on public wellbeing.
On Friday, Prime Minister Anwar allocated RM470 billion in resources in Budget 2026, emphasizing economic resilience and support for small businesses to safeguard the economy against global uncertainties. Budget 2026, themed "Belanjawan MADANI Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat," aims to optimize national resources through public expenditure totaling RM470 billion, an increase from RM452 billion last year.