KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Service Department (JPA) is reviewing proposals under a new civil service talent development policy, including giving younger officers the chance to hold senior government posts, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the policy, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week, will focus on merit-based appointments.
“This policy mirrors approaches in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, where young civil servants are fast-tracked into leadership roles.
“Implementation details are still being worked out, but JPA will look at this carefully, particularly on merit,” she said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 20).
She was responding to Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) who asked whether Malaysia would allow younger candidates to be appointed as secretaries-general, similar to Singapore where most such positions are held by officials in their 40s.
Dr Zaliha said the policy would emphasise talent development, clear career pathways and a culture of excellence, targeting officers who have shown outstanding performance and can take on higher responsibilities.
On a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding aid for civil servants, she said any proposal, including temporary assistance or logistical support, must take into account fiscal capacity, policy effectiveness and fairness across the service.
Separately, Dr Zaliha said the government had rolled out the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) in December 2024 to replace the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM), factoring in living costs, including those in Langkawi.
