PM: Work with me to make things better for M’sians

PUTRAJAYA: Calling on civil servants to work alongside his administration, one of the things on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s to-do list will be to visit government departments for their views and advice.

He assured the civil servants, however, that his visits would not be to check on them.

“No, I am not there to check on you. That will be the Chief Secretary to the Government’s job. I want to go to the ministries and departments so that I can get to know civil servants and obtain their views and advice.

“Only when we regard one another as family can we work together as a team that will bring the country to greater heights,” he said.

Anwar said he would not be able to attain success if the public officers were not with him.

“I am not referring to political alignment, but it is important for civil servants to remain professional, independent and hold on to their pledge to serve the country,” he said during his address at a session with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department yesterday.

Anwar’s arrival at 8.09am was received by the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun.

Change will do us good: Anwar giving a speech during a meeting with staff of The Prime Minister’s Department at Dataran Perdana Putra in Putrajaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

This was his first session with the civil servants since he was sworn into office on Nov 24.

Anwar said that having had the experience of heading various ministries, the ministers could only successfully execute their duty with the assistance of the civil service.

“It is important to listen to their views, especially those with vast experience and expertise in their field.

“From my experience, even if I want to give my views and feedback, it is only after I’ve digested the information that’s been given to me.

“This is one piece of advice that I will share with those who will be appointed as Cabinet members. They must respect the process and forge good working relations with civil servants,” he said.

Malaysia, said Anwar, was in need of change, pointing out that while the country had made many accomplishments, it was facing a decline in terms of economy, stability and discipline.

He said there were issues of misappropriation and corruption, and in some cases, civil servants were involved.

“If there were negligence, violations and relaxations (of laws), that was in the past, and I don’t want to bring up matters of the past.

“But I hope this will change and public officers will uphold the highest level of discipline,” he said.