Tell us ministers off if we stray, Azmin tells civil servants

KUALA LUMPUR: Tell off the ministers if they stray to ensure the government remains on the right track, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali tells top civil servants.

Citing the example of the Selangor state secretary who used to tell him off when he was the mentri besar, Azmin said this kept him on his toes.

He also said that he would defend civil servants, adding that the powers vested in the government through the mandate of the people was not a "privilege".

"The one who betrays the trust (of the people) has lost the mandate to rule," said Azmin in addressing top civil servants at the National Public Service Administration Institution (Intan) on the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 at the Ministerial Forum Series on Nov 14.

He also spoke of the need for the civil service to deliver the SPV's goals of equipping the stakeholders of the agricultural industry to reduce the RM50mil food imports which could be grown here.

He reminded them the need to work with the government collectively as they are the main people to carry out SPV2030 to the grassroots.

Later, he spoke to the media on the need for the Pakatan Harapan government to ensure there was political stability to be able to deliver the promises to the people.

"The mandate given in the last election is for us to deliver and the change was unprecedented.

"For the first time in 60 years, they decided to change a new government that is clean and would be able to deliver back to the rakyat.

"We have to work very hard to recalibrate economic policies to address our economic issues and the main challenges globally with China and the US as trading partners.

"This is an opportunity for us to be more competitive, and we can address the huge markets in Asean countries. We have 650 million people in this region and there is much opportunity for us to increase our trade," said Azmin.