PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Azam Baki has reiterated the call made by the Prime Minister for public service reforms to be in line with economic progress, ensure high-quality service delivery to the people and combat the scourge of corruption.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said all parties should implement reforms in the system, laws and approaches, and increase staffing so that services can be delivered effectively to the people.

Citing Qatar’s success in implementing reforms in its traffic compound payment by going digital, he said Malaysia should do the same for efficiency and to clamp down on bribery.

“The challenge now is for all heads of departments and secretaries-general to review the internal procedures and governance that are outdated and need to be updated, ensuring that they do not inconvenience the people.

“Stakeholders must be accountable to ensure that their delivery systems (are effective),” the anti-graft chief told Bernama in an interview here.

Azam said obsolete national laws and governance procedures must be improved to ensure they do not hinder development.

He also said they must be in line with the times, such as the amendments made to the laws related to beneficial ownership by the Companies Commission of Malaysia, which require companies to declare their interests in any holdings in other companies.

The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the proposed Freedom of Information Act are among reforms on the table to achieve a more effective delivery system, he added.

On the salary increase for civil servants, Azam said it would not be meaningful if public servants fail to manage their finances, live beyond their means and eventually have to look for ways to make extra income by engaging in other activities.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/27/public-service-reforms-can-root-out-graft