TAKING cognisance of other countries lurching ahead in the IT era, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia's digital drive to be pursued with greater vigour and a more frantic pace to prevent it from falling behind.
The prime minister said that was why he established the Digital Ministry so that the country can give specific focus on bringing urgent improvements in this field.
"The digital programme must be done more drastically, aggressively than before, otherwise we will lag behind," he said in his address at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department in the Puspanitapuri building in Putrajaya today.
He said the same zeal should be given for other programmes in the various ministries.
"I don't think Malaysia can compete rapidly, with the level of speed achieved by other countries, without giving this focus on digital," he said.
In line with this, he emphasised that the education sector should no longer be tied to old models that are becoming outdated with the times.
He said that while mastery of the Malay language among pupils should be better than before, increasing the use of English should be given priority.
Anwar also said that all ministries, departments and agencies must submit a monthly report on the progress of government projects from now on.
He said that the report needs to be sent through the respective director-general or secretary-general for him to be briefed later.
He said that these top officials from the ministries mostly give suggestions for new projects during meetings and discussions,
However, with the latest requirement for monthly reports from all quarters, they must highlight what is being done with projects that are approved, together with the work put in by civil servants in their implementation.
He said that the reports must show clear project progress and positive contribution of civil servants towards making Malaysia a more civilised nation and economy.
“So I hope this can be achieved in tandem with the transformation of all (sectors)," he said.
He stressed that the federal cabinet of ministers is also trying to implement new rules while continuing with policies or projects that are good.
"But our approach has to change. For example, we have stopped continuing with the practice of direct negotiations to prevent misgivings of any abuse (from arising)," he said.
There must be heavy emphasis on such matters and every ministry needs to be bolder in its approach, he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed confidence in the Unity Government's stability, despite the various speculations floating around of late.
He said the stability is essential to ensure that government-related programmes are implemented such that they serve to raise the dignity and prestige of the nation.– The Vibes, January 8, 2024
