MALAYSIA needs time to progress, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The nation cannot progress with the current level of performance.
“While we do our best to save the country and make Malaysia a great nation, services in the public sector must be improved,” Anwar said, calling for the public sector to be financially prudent in challenging times.
He urged the public sector to focus on what is necessary and save up.
“We look forward to a stronger nation in two to three years.
“We also acknowledge that the earnings of civil servants, especially the lower income group, are not commensurate with the economic growth and the cost of living.
“Rest assured, the salaries and wages of public servants will be reviewed once the country’s coffers improve,” he said.
Anwar said his administration is also focussing on eradicating poverty.
In his message to the public sector, Anwar said he would continue the fight against corruption.
“I have instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to act against anyone who commits corruption,” he said during his meeting with the Penang civil servants at UiTM Permatang Pauh today.
He also stressed the need to ensure the ease of doing business is at an optimal level.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow firmly reminded the public servants not to get involved in corruption.
“Everyone has the responsibility to fight graft.
“The Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remained firm about combating corruption and implementing good governance,” he said.
Chow also expressed the state’s commitment to supporting the Malaysia Madani concept, the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar.
“Penang is on the same footing as the Federal Government, and I am confident that we can create more success with this strong collaboration.”
Chow said that public servants play an important role in the Government.
“A progressive, responsive, and fast-moving Government must be supported by civil servants who always put the interests of the country ahead of other interests.
“A civil servant who is knowledgeable and constantly improving knowledge is the most important asset. You are called upon to acquire knowledge occasionally, in line with the changing times.
“Appropriate and innovative solutions are needed to address the challenges faced by the Government,” Chow told the public servants.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Public Service director-general Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed, Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and Penang State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi