Public service faces integrity deficit despite MACC efforts, prompting new efficiency and governance initiatives to improve transparency and save costs.
BACHOK: The public service is currently facing an integrity deficit and negative public perceptions despite aggressive detection and prosecution efforts by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said global perception of corruption levels in Malaysia remains unchanged, prompting governance strengthening and preventive measures.
“To address this issue, the government has introduced two new initiatives,” he stated at the MADANI Public Service Seminar at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s Bachok campus.
The first initiative is the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act by the Public Service Department aimed at improving service quality and governance transparency.
The second is the Integrity and Governance Management System (SPINE) by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity to comprehensively strengthen public sector integrity.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan also identified institutional friction and bureaucratic red tape as major challenges in public service delivery.
He explained these challenges stem from internal structural barriers within organisational governance that hinder cross-agency collaboration.
“Silo mentality makes it difficult to implement national strategic initiatives,” he said, citing hindered digital service integration as an example.
This situation disrupts critical service chains and negatively affects service quality delivered to the public.
To address these issues, the government has introduced the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA) and Demerit Performance Evaluation (DEEP).
“In 2024, ARPA managed to save RM542 million,” he revealed, adding that DEEP monitors department heads’ performance based on tangible public impact. – Bernama
