PUTRAJAYA: Direct engagement with civil servants and dynamic management — these are among Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar's strategies to effect change in the civil service.
In his first 100 days as chief secretary to the government, Shamsul Azri has made it his goal to inculcate a culture of "greater responsiveness" in the country's 1.6 million civil servants.
Shamsul Azri's participation in the government's approach to reforms is clear, namely addressing deep-rooted issues and promoting core values designed to serve the people.
"We must make management dynamic. It should be part of our goal to shift the culture to greater responsiveness," he said in a recent interview with Media Prima.
Shamsul Azri, who assumed the role on Aug 12, acknowledged that more must be done to modernise the civil service.
This, he said, was addressed in the government's reform blueprint, which focuses on instilling fundamental values of loyalty, integrity, empathy and dedication in the civil service.
NILAI MALAYSIA' FRAMEWORK
In his first month in office, Shamsul Azri unveiled the Nilai Malaysia (Malaysian Values) framework aimed at recalibrating the public sector's focus on fairness, knowledge and continuous improvement.
It outlines values that will guide public service:
M — MESRA (Friendly): Treating everyone with kindness and warmth;
A — ADIL (Fairness): Ensuring everyone is treated equally, regardless of their status;
L — LUHUR (Integrity): Upholding the highest ethical standards;
A
YM — YAKIN (Confidence): Building confidence in the civil service and its service to the people;
S — SETIA (Loyalty): Ensuring loyalty to the organisation and government;
I — ISLAH (Continuous Improvement): Fostering a culture of development and innovation; and,
A — AMANAH (Trust): Maintaining trust as the foundation of public service
Shamsul Azri said the framework, launched ahead of Malay-sia Day, is for aligning civil service operations in agencies and ministries.
"Our goal is to ensure that public service is relevant, efficient and trusted by the people."
To exercise the Madani aspirations, he said, the government aimed to train 250,000 civil servants by the end of this year.
He said guiding principles to uphold for those in the public sector include inclusivity, integrity and public service excellence.
He said this focus was intended to foster a sense of purpose and unity in the civil service, ensuring civil servants were motivated by a deeper commitment to the nation.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
His first 100 days set a decisive course for the civil service.
He said his approach was to create a more efficient, responsive and value-driven public sector that was connected to the aspirations of the people.
"Loyalty to the government of the day is critical. Without loyalty and awareness, civil servants lack the spirit for service.
"Beyond that, civil servants must also serve the 'rakyat' effectively.
"Empathy, dedication and trust are key to engaging with the people.
"These values guide us in ensuring that our services are always in tune with the expectations," he said.
Quoting former United States president John F. Kennedy's famous words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", Shamsul Azri said there was a form of duty and responsibility that came with choosing a career in public service.
"When you become a civil servant, you must understand that wealth is not the goal.
"Seeking fame should not be the focus.
"If these are your pursuits, then civil service is not for you."
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he called on civil servants to help build a government that is not just responsive to today's needs, but is also prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
"Our service to the nation defines us," he said.