13MP: Govt To Focus On Enhancing Public Sector Integrity, Reform

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The government has outlined four main strategies in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with a special focus on strengthening integrity and accountability among civil servants, aimed at shaping a more dynamic, progressive and pragmatic public sector.

According to the 13MP document (2026–2030) released by the Ministry of Economy today, the performance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for all ministries will be improved through the introduction of specific key performance indicators aligned with selected macro-economic indicators.

“To support this initiative, a mechanism will be developed to allow direct performance reporting by ministries to the Prime Minister, while a national results dashboard accessible to the public will also be introduced,” the document states.

In addition to integrity and accountability, the other three key government strategies are legal and institutional reform, speeding up the rationalisation of functions and roles of ministries and agencies, and enhancing human resource development in the public sector.

For the second strategy, the document highlights that legal and institutional reform will include efforts to accelerate the separation of powers between the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor.

"Efforts will also be made to harmonise various laws and regulations to improve government service delivery at all levels. Focus will be given to reviewing legislation to ensure harmonisation of jurisdiction between the Syariah and Civil Courts.

"A study will also be conducted to assess the need for enacting a remuneration act for Syariah judges and the establishment of a special judicial appointment commission for Syariah courts to elevate their stature and independence,” the document states.

In addition, the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) will be extended to Sabah and Sarawak to harmonise national spatial planning, including physical, social, economic and environmental sustainability development.

The third strategy involves the rationalisation of the functions of government ministries and agencies to reduce duplication and resource wastage, including expanding the consolidation of Malaysia’s overseas missions and agency representative offices. 

"The rationalisation of government departments, agencies and government-owned companies will be carried out in phases. The roles and responsibilities of civil servants will also be enhanced through the restructuring of job functions and work procedures, in line with technological advancements," it says.

The government will also improve the management of federal facilities such as government quarters and public training institutes for more optimal use.

For the fourth strategy, emphasis will be placed on developing public sector human capital to produce more competent, competitive and future-ready civil servants.

"Focus will be given to upskilling, reskilling, leadership development and professionalism. Flexible career pathways and talent management will be enhanced, including expanding flexible job grades and the option to switch service schemes,” the document adds.

Policies related to retirement benefits and privileges for members of the administration and civil servants will be reviewed through the establishment of a Royal Commission to assess the need to transition from the pension scheme to a contribution-based scheme, in order to improve long-term fiscal sustainability.

At the same time, psychological and counselling services will be expanded through Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs), along with the introduction of a public sector mental health policy and a Civil Servant Happiness Index.

The document also states that digitisation of services and work processes will be further strengthened through the development of Enterprise Architecture (EA), secure public infrastructure and the comprehensive use of artificial intelligence (AI).

These initiatives aim to accelerate the integration of digital services, reduce system duplication and enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery.

During the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) period, the government implemented various initiatives, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028 and the establishment of a CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index) Special Task Force in October 2024.

"For the 2024 to 2025 period, more than 80 pieces of legislation, including amendments to existing laws, have been passed — among them, the Companies Act 2016 (Act 777), the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 (Act 743) and the Audit Act 1957 (Act 62 ) — which emphasise integrity, accountability and transparency,” the document adds.

-- BERNAMA