FORMER Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has called for the gradual dismantling of what he described as a long-standing culture of “pomp and pageantry” in Malaysia’s civil service, especially in relation to ministers and senior politicians.
Speaking at a public forum titled “Major Economic Challenges: Can We Face Them?” held at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on Saturday, Rafizi recounted his own experience on his first day as minister.
“I was shocked on my first day in office as Economy Minister to see a large number of civil servants lining up to greet me,” said Rafizi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pandan.
He placed the blame squarely on political leaders for normalising and perpetuating such practices.
“It is a long-standing culture. It should be phased out gradually because it is wasteful and only about grandeur,” the Pandan MP added.
Rafizi’s comments come amid growing calls for better governance, transparency, and a shift away from superficial displays of status within Malaysia’s political and bureaucratic systems.
The forum also featured former DAP publicity chief Tony Pua, along with prominent economists Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram and Professor Wong Chin Yoong. Discussions focused on Malaysia’s current economic challenges and institutional reforms. - September 21, 2025
