Academy to boost civil servants’ competency

THE establishment of Johor Civil Servants (JCS) Academy is a strategic step towards increasing competency among state government officers and staff.

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said besides improving knowledge, JCS Academy should provide lessons on lawsuits that caused the state government losses due to wrong actions and decisions, as well as biased agreements.

“I hope this academy will be a centre of knowledge and increase the quality of public service in the state.

“The establishment of JCS Academy is timely as it can help to increase knowledge among government staff and equip them with skills in management and creating state policies, ” he added.

Sultan Ibrahim said this at the launch of JCS Academy as well as the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and cooperation agreement held at Persada International Convention Centre in conjunction with his birthday celebration in Johor Baru.

The Ruler said through cooperation between government agencies, public higher learning institutions and private as well as professional bodies, JCS Academy could give added value towards increasing knowledge and sharing of experience in various fields.

At the event, Sultan Ibrahim also suggested that the state government revive the Johor Volunteer Forces (JVF) that was established by his great-grandfather, Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar in 1905.

He said that as a start, all state civil servant officers should be absorbed under JVF and be given basic military training along with the Johor Military Force (JMF).

“This aims to increase fitness and strengthen discipline among government officers.

“With that, JCS officers can wear the JVF uniforms either during duties or when attending appropriate ceremonies.

“This will indirectly enhance the image and appearance of civil servant officers, ” the Ruler said.

In August last year, during a townhall session between civil servants and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the state government planned to set up JCS Academy to strengthen its civil service.

He added that the academy would serve as a training centre for knowledge development and provide a platform to shape capable and skilled civil servants.

Hasni said that through quality experience and learning, the government would have civil servants who were able to form and manage policies well.

The academy is similar to those run by multinational companies and private sector to groom capable leaders and boost productivity, he added.