Shah alam: The strength of a country needs to be supported by a robust, integrity-based, and committed public service system with civil servants as the backbone of the country's policy continuity and progress, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar highlighted that confidence in the capabilities of civil servants was among the factors that prompted him to focus on efforts to strengthen leadership and efficiency of the public service at all levels.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of civil servants having close ties with the people, understanding the development philosophy, and being committed to making a significant contribution to the country. He made these remarks during the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to the Government's Session with Civil Servants in the Central Zone at Universiti Islam Selangor.
The event was also attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Director-General of the Public Service Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, noted that Malaysia's economic growth of 5.8 per cent in the second quarter of the year surpassed government and Bank Negara Malaysia's projections, even amidst various economic challenges.
He credited this achievement to the determination of civil servants at all levels and Malaysia's success in maintaining peace and security, which continues to boost investor confidence. Anwar stated, "Our growth achievement is far better than our expectations in the last budget, and it would not have been easy to happen without the commitment, efficiency, and determination of our civil servants as well as the level of security of our country."
Anwar further acknowledged the efficiency of the civil service machinery in expediting approvals and facilitating domestic and foreign investments as key factors bolstering the country's economic performance. He emphasized that while the government is responsible for formulating policies, the success of their implementation relies heavily on the ideas, expertise, and dedication of civil servants.
Additionally, Anwar expressed his appreciation for the commitment and loyalty of civil servants in advancing the national development agenda. He assured that the government would continue to focus on the welfare of civil servants, including aspects of housing and promotions, to improve the quality of public service delivery.
He concluded that these measures are crucial for strengthening the commitment of civil servants to support the MADANI Malaysia agenda and ensuring sustainable economic growth for the country.