PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) has called on all members of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to liberate their thinking, approaches and actions from the tendency of merely continuing the legacy left by their predecessors.

Rural and Regional Development Minister, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, stated that this change was necessary for every member to create something different and be a "game changer" over time.

"Times have changed. The past and present are vastly different. Therefore, we must also change our approaches and shift our thinking to constantly create something new. We need to evolve towards a more efficient work culture to bring a positive impact to the agency and the community.

"It is embarrassing and disappointing if we continue the legacy half-heartedly without making an effort to innovate and without the awareness to make changes that can elevate achievements," he said during his speech at the August monthly assembly and the launch of National Month and Jalur Gemilang at the ministry here on Thursday (Aug 15).

In conjunction with the month of independence, Ahmad Zahid also urged ministry staff to continue striving to elevate the country by embodying the meaning of independence through a liberated spirit and mind in line with the 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day theme, "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka."

He explained that in the early days of independence, the government’s primary focus was on economic development towards national stability and prosperity, emphasising rural planning to reduce poverty and provide basic infrastructure such as schools, healthcare services, road construction, clean water supply, electricity, and communication networks.

"I share the history of the ministry post-independence not out of nostalgia, but to take a moment for self-reflection and introspection - whether we have truly inherited the legacy left to us with full trust and dedication," he said.

He added that the government remains committed to ensuring inclusive and balanced development to fulfil the promise of independence so that rural communities can be freed from backwardness, marginalisation and poverty.

In this regard, Ahmad Zahid expressed his intention to ensure that the ministry continued to excel in its role in improving the welfare of rural areas.

"For this, the agencies under the ministry must deliver the appropriate returns," he said.

He also expressed pride that ministry-owned companies have become profitable entities through proactive measures in setting direction and effectively monitoring the companies’ performance.

"I believe that ministry staff have truly embodied what I mentioned in the previous assembly to continue to be the best among the best. We cannot be easily satisfied with what has been achieved; we cannot be complacent; we cannot settle for mediocrity," he said.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid also congratulated ministry staff for achieving recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records after creating the longest Jalur Gemilang, measuring 129 metres, using the most recycled materials, namely 171,823 bottle caps.

He also launched the "Ronda Desa" programme, a 12-episode series produced by the ministry showcasing the ministry’s success stories in developing the socio-economic landscape of Desa Madani communities.

The programme will air every Saturday starting Aug 31 at 4.30pm on local television channels.- Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/15/rural-development-ministry-staff-urged-to-adopt-more-efficient-work-culture