Expert Panel Must Drive Public Service Improvements - Nga

PUTRAJAYA, July 9 (Bernama) -- The Panel of Experts (POE) must play an active role in strengthening national policies and enhancing the public service, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.

In a statement today, Nga said the panel is instrumental in generating innovative ideas to support ongoing reforms in the public sector.

“The POE contributed significantly to Malaysia’s impressive performance in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025, where the country climbed 11 spots to 23rd globally - the highest improvement among all nations,” he said, referring to the POE Steering Committee Meeting held here yesterday

Nga stressed the need for continued efforts to position Malaysia among the world’s top 12 most competitive economies by 2033, in line with the MADANI Economic Framework.

He also called on the panel to adopt a more strategic, data-driven, and holistic approach in helping the country navigate global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate change.

Nga said the government is in the final stages of preparing several bold and transformative initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), which is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 31.

These include the proposed Fire Services (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Urban Renewal Bill (PSB), aimed at improving public safety and revitalising ageing urban areas.

The POE meeting, which  focused on housing, local government, and sustainable urban development, was attended by senior KPKT officials and 39 experts, led by former Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.

-- BERNAMA