PUTRAJAYA: As his 100th day as Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) approaches, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar remains steadfast in strengthening the public service reform agenda to enhance civil service efficiency and public trust in the government.
Officially appointed on Aug 12, Shamsul Azri’s first directive came on the night of his appointment announcement on Aug 7, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sent a brief but clear message: "Please start your reform now.”
"Therefore, my top priority is to reform the public service. One of my key focuses is that every three years, we must revise and reduce at least 25 per cent of burdensome regulations and procedures that erode customer trust,” he told Bernama in a special interview in conjunction with his 100th day as the 16th KSN, which falls on Nov 19.
Shamsul Azri, 55, said there is room for improvement within the public service and underscored the importance of reform as a foundation for restoring public confidence in the government.
Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Shamsul Azri said he draws motivation from former US President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” which has inspired him since the start of his career.
Reflecting on his first 100 days leading the civil service, Shamsul Azri acknowledged several key challenges that demand new and innovative approaches.
"The first challenge is changing mindsets, actions and work culture. Reforms involving the rationalisation of the public sector, including Federal Statutory Bodies and CLBG (Companies Limited by Guarantee), require more creative and innovative thinking.
"The second challenge is ensuring that regulations that are outdated and not business-friendly are reviewed and updated without compromising integrity and governance. As the Prime Minister mentioned, ‘Islah Masta To’tum’ - implementing improvements to the best extent possible to keep the public service relevant and efficient,” he said.
The third challenge involves conventional systems and work procedures that have existed for a long time. With the advancement of digitalisation, service delivery is increasingly transitioning to online platforms.
"Currently, online or end-to-end (E2E) services have reached 70 per cent implementation. However, several systems and procedures still need adjustments to enhance the speed and effectiveness of public service delivery,” he added.
To support transformation efforts, Shamsul Azri emphasised the values of M.E.R.D.E.K.A or Menumpah Taat Setia, Empati Kepada Rakyat, Relevan, Dedikasi, Emosi, Karismatik, dan Amanah (Loyalty, Empathy for the People, Relevance, Dedication, Emotional Intelligence, Charisma and Integrity) which he introduced to guide civil servants towards a transparent, people-centric service.
He also called on public service personnel to embody the spirit of M.A.L.A.Y.S.I.A or Mesra, Adil, Luhur, Amanah, Yakin, Setia, Islah dan Arif (Friendly, Fair, Noble, Trustworthy, Confident, Loyal, Reform-oriented and Wise) to support the reform goals envisioned for the country.
With this spirit, Shamsul Azri is committed to realising reforms that reflect the people’s aspirations, building a service based on integrity and producing better outcomes for the nation.
Shamsul Azri expressed his desire to meet and engage with all 1.6 million civil servants but acknowledged limitations in terms of time and location.
"Therefore, I encourage civil servants to follow my social media accounts on Facebook (Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar), Instagram (@shamsulazri.abubakar) and Twitter (@shamsulazribakr) to stay updated and share the public service reform agenda.
"You will never walk alone,” he said, quoting the motto of his favourite English football club, Liverpool. - Bernama
