PUTRAJAYA: A nation’s development hinges very much on the efforts of not just its leaders but civil servants too, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said civil servants must continuously strive to improve their quality of service instead of being content with existing achievements.
He said Malaysia’s development agenda required extra effort and a renewed commitment to integrity, empathy and excellence.
“It is not enough to maintain what we have achieved. We must always seek to improve and perfect our service to the people,” he said in his address at the National Development Awards and Symposium programme held here yesterday.
Anwar said development went beyond the construction of buildings, the creation of industries, or the pursuit of technology.
“Real development is about building human character, about dignity, compassion and responsibility.
“We can have wealth and progress, but without justice and moral strength, the nation cannot endure,” he said.
Anwar said the Malaysia Madani framework emphasised these humane values – sincerity, honesty and accountability – and reminded civil servants to fulfil them diligently.
Citing Islamic teachings on efficiency in work, he said that civil servants should constantly assess whether they are performing at their highest level.
“Have we truly fulfilled our responsibilities with sincerity and honesty? Have our ideas and efforts genuinely uplifted the nation and defended those left behind?” he asked.
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s encouraging economic performance, noting that the country has achieved its highest-ever levels of investment and the lowest unemployment rate and boasts one of the strongest-performing currencies in the region.
“Do not take for granted what this country has achieved so far. Malaysia is not a large country, but we have achieved much because of stability, teamwork and effective governance,” he added.
At the same event, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said development projects for 2025 were still at an unsatisfactory level and required improvements.
“Out of the total allocation at RM85.87bil covering 9,524 projects, a total of RM64.03bil has been spent, representing a national average of 74.56%. Of this, only 16 ministries managed to exceed the national average level,” he said.
