STAR task force will address government-media communication gaps and review Corporate Communication Units staffing in upcoming meeting.
PUTRAJAYA: The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) will discuss measures to strengthen government-media communication in its meeting next week.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said enhancing media communication represents a key enabler of public sector reform.
A proposal paper will be prepared by the task force secretariat to outline improvements to Corporate Communication Units (UKKs) in ministries and departments.
This effort received Cabinet agreement to enhance UKK roles and strengthen media cooperation for accurate public information delivery.
“We will work to close any communication gaps highlighted by the media, such as difficulties in obtaining information,” Shamsul Azri said during an engagement session with media editors.
Cooperation between media and government will continue strengthening, with all matters raised in the upcoming STAR meeting.
“We aim to find the best solutions because the government and the media are inseparable and must work hand in hand,” he added.
Regarding UKK staffing issues, particularly in strategic-corporate communications roles, Shamsul Azri confirmed the matter would undergo review.
“We will re-examine the staffing needs…sometimes multi-tasking is possible, and it may not be necessary to have two separate officers,” he said.
On concerns about media reports being misinterpreted as government criticism, Shamsul Azri affirmed the government upholds media freedom.
The government recognises media rights to express opinions, provided reports avoid defamation, racial provocation, and personal targeting.
“If the intention is for the people’s well-being and to improve the government, we fully welcome it,” he stated.
STAR was initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and led by the Chief Secretary to accelerate public service reform.
Its core functions include identifying implementation delays, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and improving agency efficiency.
The task force also serves as a problem-solving entity focusing on high-impact, people-centric projects. – Bernama
