PETALING JAYA: The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) will see a number of reforms implemented in the public sector not just to improve delivery but also to affirm a commitment to its integrity, transparency and neutrality.

       These measures include nurturing a high-performing civil service, advancing a whole-of-government approach as well as enhancing budgeting and project management.

       “A stronger public sector will create a more effective, accountable and efficient government machinery to fulfil the rising expectations of the rakyat.

       “This will support the achievement of the 12MP's objective namely prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability,” read the report tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Sept 27).

       In developing a high-performance civil service, the 12MP outlined two strategies, namely transforming the public service and developing future leaders.

       “Malaysia needs to undertake a number of fundamental reforms to create a more efficient and effective public service, including a competitive remuneration system, clear succession planning and individual career path development to attract and retain... talent who are future-ready,” it said.

       The 12MP report said, in pursuit of a citizen-centric government, efforts will be undertaken to transform the public service through a whole-of-government approach where the focus will be on improving government administration and operational efficiency, enabling better decision-making and innovation, and strengthening the governance ecosystem.

       “Digitalisation will be fully leveraged in ensuring operational efficiency and adapting to the new normal, riding from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “In the 12MP, priority will be given to enhance quality decision-making and encourage innovation to ensure that public service delivery meets the expectations of the rakyat,” it said.

       In strengthening the governance ecosystem, the 12MP will focus on upholding integrity, transparency and neutrality at all levels, improving the electoral system, digitalising the judicial system, as well as enhancing corporate governance.

       “The success of these initiatives is fundamental in building a corruption-free, fair, democratic and progressive nation,” the report read.

       Efforts to uphold integrity and eradicate corruption will be enhanced to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the public service and all government agencies will implement an Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan to address governance, integrity and corruption issues within each organisation, it added.

       “The Election Commission will be strengthened to ensure a fair, independent and transparent election process. Rules, procedures and processes will also be reviewed and improved to ensure the independence and transparency of the electoral system,” said the report.

       To enhance budgeting and project management, the framework and process will be improved to promote good governance, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

       “Budget transparency will be improved in line with international good practices and standards to reduce leakages and ensure efficient public spending.

       “To enhance transparency, the pre-Budget statement and Mid-year Review Report will be published. The publication of these documents will provide the people with a more detailed insight into the national economic situation and fiscal status,” it said.