KUALA LUMPUR: In adapting to new norms, the public sector must strengthen its delivery of transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly services, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister said civil servants, as the government's central machinery, must operate comprehensively in delivering their services to the public.
"The National Industrial Plan, the mid-term of the 12th Malaysian Plan, and the Madani Budget cannot be fully realised without being implemented by a dynamic and aggressive service.
"Sustainability and governance in public services must be more robust in dispelling negative perceptions and addressing public service inefficiencies."
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the Local Government Development Ministry's Minister Excellence Awards tonight.
Anwar said the Madani government emphasised sustainability and holistic well-being, ensuring that government policies and their implementation benefited the people.
This was crucial, he said, as the world was still grappling with power struggles and conflicts, global economic trade slowdowns, as well as a pressing climate and environmental crisis.
He said the Local Government Development Ministry had undertaken initiatives aligned with the Madani economic goals, directly benefiting the people.
These included replacing and maintaining faulty or old elevators in People's Housing Programme homes, maintaining drains and culverts, and constructing flood retention ponds, especially in flood-prone areas.
He said the ministry had also constructed 4,250 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat and built 3,209 MyKiosk outlets powered by solar energy with low rentals to empower the B40 community and increase their income.
"In this context, competent and excellent civil servants become the driving force for the successful realisation of all aspirations and reforms launched by the Madani government.
"In confronting the rapidly changing, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous work environment, the ministry and local government staff must always be ready to face multifaceted challenges," he said.
Anwar emphasised that efforts to strengthen and revitalise the public service delivery system primarily focused on improving monitoring, addressing emerging issues, implementing rapid reforms, and maintaining optimal governance practices without compromising efficiency.
Also present were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, his deputy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.