Shah alam: The ability to innovate is no longer an option, but a vital necessity to ensure the public sector remains relevant and competitive, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Speaking at the 2026 Public Sector Innovation Drive programme, he said innovation should be rooted in local realities and Malaysian customs, leveraging the country's strong domestic innovation base to explore new opportunities through practical approaches.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri emphasized the importance of using data analytics to better anticipate the public's needs and fully digitizing government services to speed up delivery. He made these remarks at the event held at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre. Other notable attendees included Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, and Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar.
Shamsul Azri mentioned that a Digital Ministry circular dated February 9, 2026, directs all ministries and government departments to begin digitizing basic operations such as meetings, internal memos, and administrative procedures as the first phase of implementation. Furthermore, all chief secretaries and heads of service have been asked to submit monthly reports on the progress of digitalization in the public sector.
He stressed that public sector innovation should encompass not only new technology but also systemic reforms, process improvements, and enhanced public well-being. He remarked that innovation should make a tangible difference by simplifying processes for the public, speeding up service delivery, and strengthening trust in government institutions.
Shamsul Azri highlighted the success of initiatives under the Special Task Force for Agency Reform (STAR), such as reducing the processing time for disaster relief assistance and e-Kasih applications from 1 hour to 5 minutes through the e-Penghulu system. Additionally, development permit approval times have been cut from 24 months to 10 months at Kulim Municipal Council through the E-10 system, and to 14 months at Kulai Municipal Council.
He concluded by noting that these innovations not only improve efficiency but also boost investment, job creation, and revenue for local authorities. The implementation of the Demerit Performance Evaluation (DEEP) for senior government officers has yielded positive results, with project implementation rates reaching 122 per cent as of December 2025, stalled projects down 45 per cent, delayed projects reduced by 16 per cent, and planning gaps nearly fully resolved.