KUALA LUMPUR: The government wants to restore the glory of the civil service by eliminating political interference.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said too much political interference in the past had led to civil servants being sidelined in the country's economic development.
"There was a time in the past when the leadership in the civil service were entrusted to steer major responsibilities, including development of mega projects and economic projects.
"However, excessive political interference and overreach in public administration and policies had sidelined civil servants, focusing attention on external consultants at costs amounting to millions.
"The Madani government has pledged to reinstate the status and diginity of civil servants through reforms and a paradigm shift. This will require the full support from all levels of the civil service," he said in a statement on Facebook after attending the 'Malam Sumbangan Kasih' event with the Administrative and Diplomatic Officers Alumni (Alumni PTD) here last night (Nov 13).
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Public Service Department director-general Datuk Seri Dr Zulkapli Mohamed.
During his speech at the event, Anwar said it was the government's aim to improve upon aspects of integrity and skills of civil servants.
"In my message at the event, I relayed the government's wish to restore the glory and strength of the civil service by strengthening the aspects of integrity, skills and image of this service."
Anwar said as a starting point for reforms, a comprehensive study on the civil service system would be conducted with an emphasis on aspects that had been neglected due to relentless political clashes in the past.
"This study does not merely revolve around issues of salaries, allowances and benefits for civil servants, but also touches on enhancing the capabilities, quality, professionalism, and integrity of civil servants.
"Undoubtedly, this aspiration can only be fulfilled with political stability and astuteness."
Anwar also expressed hope that these efforts would eliminate weaknesses in the civil service, such as a decrease in governance and systemic spread of corruption.
"I also announced an allocation of RM500,000 to the Alumni PTD Foundation as a token of appreciation for the sacrifices and dedicated service of the PTD group, especially those who have retired," he added.