PUTRAJAYA: The new government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been asked to ensure no political interference in the appointment of civil servants as well in the nation's administrative and financial affairs, especially in the awarding of contracts.
The Administrative and Diplomatic Officers Association Alumni (PTD Alumni), in an open letter to the prime minister, said this was important as the recent audit findings had revealed continuous leakage and large losses as a result of unnecessary interventions.
PTD Alumni president Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali said the disruption was caused by non-compliance of standard financial operating procedures.
"In this regard, all chief secretaries of ministries and heads of departments should be allowed to manage their functions and responsibilities as responsible officers, according to rules and procedures and without fear or favouritism.
"It is important for the government to enact the Public Service Act, as stated in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to create a professional public service with clear demarcation of functions, jurisdiction and responsibilities between the administration and the public service," he said.
Abdul Halim also outlined three actions PTD Alumni said needed to be taken to ensure success in managing economic recovery, especially cooperation between the administration and the public service.
He said such a cooperation was necessary to deal with the issues of cost of living, job opportunities, increasing national debt and the need to increase income to cover operating expenses.
"The administration and public services also need to be more prudent and improving the public service delivery system needs to remain a priority," he said.
In ensuring that the public service becomes efficient and effective in improving the system, he said it was important to ensure that it had the capacity, ability and confidence to serve the current government well.
"It is no less important for public servants to be given the confidence that they are trusted and supported by the administration in carrying out their duties and responsibilities professionally.
"For this purpose, the administration and public service should strive to strengthen good governance through the review of General Orders, Financial Directives and other regulations based on clean, efficient and trust.
"Every member of the public service must take oath of service as proof of their commitment to good governance and integrity in serving the country.
"There are needs for comprehensive commitment from the administration and public service to fight corruption, which remains a serious concern," he said.
Abdul Halim also urged the government to carry out a comprehensive institutional and organisational review of the public service, given the rapid technological changes, digital revolution and global megatrends.
"There is also a need to review the remuneration and emoluments package for administrative and public servants. This has to be equivalent to the job, qualification, performance and ability," he said.