First Year Of ARPA: KSN Outlines Key Challenges, Achievements

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- A year after the implementation of the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA), changing mindsets, strengthening collaboration and expanding networks remain the main challenges in efforts to enhance the sector, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

According to him, these three challenges stem from his research and observations over the past year since assuming office as Chief Secretary to the Government on Aug 12, 2024.

In the preface of A Year of Reform, A Handful of Aspirations of the Chief Secretary to the Government – A Year of Achievement Report Card on Public Service Reform 2024-2025, Shamsul Azri explained that the “mindset” challenge refers to the attitudes and perspectives needed to drive reform.

“Complacency, or an attitude of being easily satisfied with the status quo, is the main enemy of a reform-oriented mindset. The challenge lies in steering the entire public service towards the aspiration of Malaysia MADANI with the mindset to implement reforms.

“Cooperation is a powerful weapon that accelerates the implementation of reform based on an associated & integrated approach involving the public service, statutory bodies, government-related companies and the private sector,” he said.

Regarding the networking challenges, Shamsul Azri said the cooperation between the federal and state governments has been strengthened through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration: Shared Commitment to Public Service, which was signed by him and all State Secretaries on Nov 23 last year.

He said all these major challenges and initiatives were not just about breaking the norm but bringing together all the synergy and strength of members of the civil service to continue driving public service reform towards the dreams and aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

He noted that the results of these reforms are evident, with Malaysia achieving a remarkable leap in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, from 34th to 23rd place in 2025.

"August 12, 2024, is a sacred date when the trust entrusted to me as the Chief Secretary to the Government has been carried out for a full year on August 12, 2025. A year of achievement does not mean just celebrating.

“August 12, 2024, marks the day I was entrusted with the responsibility of Chief Secretary to the Government, and this year’s anniversary is not merely a celebration.

“More importantly, it is a time for reflection and improvement of the plans and actions we have undertaken over the past year. I am confident that the second year of reform will be marked by even greater achievements,” he said.

In strengthening the public service, ARPA emphasises five pillars of reform outcomes, namely appreciation of values and governance, human capital development, organisational development, service delivery and public-private synergy.

To date, 38 initiatives have been introduced under these pillars. Of these, 13 short-term initiatives have been completed, while 25 are still in progress.

Meanwhile, to facilitate smoother and more efficient administration, the government plans to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles through the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act (ILTIZAM) 2025.

The ILTIZAM Bill, gazetted on May 22 and currently undergoing guideline refinement, aims to standardise and streamline government service delivery, making it more accessible and business-friendly.

 “The Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025 is a historic milestone as it reflects the government’s strong commitment to implementing reforms through legislation,” he said

-- BERNAMA