Alumni PTD urges new govt to draft Public Service Act

KUALA LUMPUR: The Administrative and Diplomatic Officers’ Alumni Association (Alumni PTD) has urged the new government headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to legislate a Public Services Act.

Its president, Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali sent an open letter to the Prime Minister yesterday with the suggestion, stating that such an Act would create a professional civil service with a clear delineation of functions, power and authority between the administration and civil service.

“It is of vital importance to avoid any political interference in public service appointments, as well as in administrative and financial management, especially in the award of contracts.

“Audit findings point to constant leakages and substantial losses incurred by the government due to nonadherence to financial standard operating procedures as a result of such interference,” he said.

All ministry secretariesgeneral and department heads must be allowed to perform their functions and fulfil their responsibilities without fear or favour, he added.

Abdul Halim also said that Alumni PTD wanted the government to undertake a comprehensive institutional and organisational review of the civil service in light of rapid technological changes, the digital revolution and global megatrends.

“Further, there is a need to review the remuneration and emolument packages for those in the Administration and the public service to ensure they are commensurate with the relevant jobs, qualifications and performance and, yet, are affordable,” he added.

He also stressed that the new administration and the civil service must work in tandem to reaffirm the practice of good governance through reviewing the General Orders, Financial General Orders and other relevant rules and regulations in the spirit of ‘Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah’. —