Kuala lumpur: The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) will discuss measures to strengthen communication between the government and the media in its meeting next week. Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said enhancing media communication is one of the key enablers of public sector reform, and a proposal paper will be prepared by the task force secretariat to outline improvements to the functions of the Corporate Communication Units (UKKs) in ministries and departments.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this effort was also agreed upon by the Cabinet to enhance the role of UKKs and strengthen cooperation with the media so that important information for the public can be conveyed accurately. 'We will work to close any communication gaps highlighted by the media, such as difficulties in obtaining information. Cooperation between the media and the government will continue to be strengthened, and all these matters will be raised in the upcoming STAR meeting.
Shamsul Azri emphasized the aim to find the best solutions because the government and the media are inseparable and must work hand in hand. He noted this during an engagement session with media editors. The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) was represented by its chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Additionally, Shamsul Azri addressed staffing issues within the UKKs, especially in strategic-corporate communications roles, stating that the matter would also be reviewed during the STAR meeting. 'We will re-examine the staffing needs...sometimes multi-tasking is possible, and it may not be necessary to have two separate officers,' he explained.
Responding to concerns about media reports voicing public sentiment potentially being misinterpreted as criticism of the government, Shamsul Azri reassured that the government upholds media freedom and recognizes the media's right to express opinions, provided the reports are not defamatory, racially charged, or personally targeted. 'If the intention is for the people's well-being and to improve the government, we fully welcome it,' he added.
STAR, initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and led by the KSN, serves as the main platform to accelerate public service reform initiatives. Its core functions include identifying and resolving implementation delays, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and improving the efficiency of government agencies. The task force also acts as a problem-solving entity, focusing on high-impact, people-centric projects.