[UPDATED] Serve rakyat as you would family: PM urges civil service improvements

PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised the cabinet and civil service for their commitment but urged more improvements, especially in enforcement and frontline services.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly today, Anwar said he could not deny the fact that those in the government have shown responsibility and commitment, citing work on policies concerning foreign labour and dealing with floods.

However, he urged them not to take their foot off the pedal, saying there is still much room for improvement. 

He said for example, “there is still negligence” on some aspects, which if left unchecked, could make the public unhappy.

This includes long queues at some government premises and unaddressed issues of poverty, he added.

“What if it was my family in this situation?” he asked in his address to some 300 civil servants today.

Citing prominent playwright George Bernard Shaw, Anwar noted how the Irishman was once queried about improvement, to which the former replied that one should not be too satisfied with one’s progress. 

“Shaw subtly responded, ‘don’t say excellent, but say there is room for improvement’. 

“If there is the spirit to bring about changes, we can ensure betterment.”

Anwar said it is incumbent on the government to relieve the rakyat from any form of “dehumanisation and degradation”. 

Referencing the Quran and ulama, the prime minister said being in the government comes with the responsibility of ensuring that citizens are not subjected to slavery and oppression.

“We must free our people and humankind in general from any form of oppression, not make fools out of them, and not steal from them. This is our primary duty.”

“My advice is we must act with good intentions if we want to uplift the country’s dignity. 

“I acknowledge that there are people who have criticised me for bringing up past issues, but the country’s image and economy and the transgressions that have happened cannot be denied.”

He said in this regard, there must be strong determination among all working in the government to ensure positive changes. – The Vibes, February 7, 2023