BERNAMA filepic
SAMARKAND: Malaysia continues to strengthen its public sector to meet the evolving needs of its people while contributing meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals, participants at a United Nations forum here were told.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) said that under the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015), Malaysia achieved major strides in digitalising public service delivery.
He noted that over 10,000 or 77% of government services were made available online, greatly enhancing access and convenience for citizens.
"We reduced licensing burdens at both federal and local levels by nearly 60% and saved over RM9bil through value management efforts and the abolition of more than 38,000 redundant positions, underscoring our commitment to prudent governance and efficient service delivery,” he said in his speech at the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 here on Monday (June 23).
Fadillah said one of the key pillars of the civil service's transformation was the adoption in its daily operations of Hemat, an acronym of five core values: Hijrah Tatakelola (Governance Transformation), Empati Rakyat (Empathy for the People), Minda Pekin (Progressive Mindset), Apresiasi Inovasi (Appreciation of Innovation), and Tadbir Urus Telus (Transparent Governance).
"Introduced by the Public Service director-general, Hemat encapsulates the spirit of responsible leadership and a renewed commitment to quality service delivery,” he added.
Complementing this, he said, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has launched a comprehensive Public Service Reform Agenda focused on value-based governance, human capital development, organisational strengthening, service delivery and public-private sector collaboration.
"These reforms are supported by an associated and integrated strategy, which ensures that technology and data are embedded in governance transformation,” he said.
Fadillah said Malaysia’s commitment to a sustainable future is further demonstrated through the establishment of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, which is currently under his purview.
"This reflects the government’s strategic decision to align critical public utilities with climate action, technological innovation, and inclusive development.
"The ministry is tasked with transforming our energy and water governance models. It is leading efforts to future-proof the electricity grid, promote renewable energy adoption, particularly solar and hydropower, to enhance energy efficiency, and modernise water resource management.
"It also seeks to ensure that infrastructure planning integrates sustainability and equitable access at its core,” he said.
At the same time, Fadillah stressed that the welfare and professionalism of Malaysian civil servants remain a priority.
"Our newly introduced Public Service Remuneration System, effective December 2024, reflected this focus.
"It embeds performance-based rewards, phased salary adjustments, and clear career pathways aligned with the Madani vision to foster a just, inclusive, and high-performing society,” he added.
The UN Public Service Forum 2025 is ongoing until Wednesday (June 25). – Bernama
