Anwar to Civil Servants: End “Slow Work” Practices

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all government agencies to end “slow work” practices, stressing that every announced policy and decision must be properly implemented.

He warned that administrative delays could undermine the effectiveness of government policies, even when assistance and reforms have been announced to improve the people’s well-being.

Anwar said the real test for the government is not coming up with good policies or making announcements, but ensuring they are implemented and deliver results, as reported by Malaysia Gazette.

Anwar: The Test Is Implementation, Not Beautifully Crafted Frameworks

He said a budget’s success should be measured by how quickly and effectively plans are carried out, a responsibility that falls on everyone from the Chief Secretary to the Government to department heads, directors and director-generals.

Highlighting sluggish processes, he said even simple tasks can take far longer than necessary. “A letter that can be answered in one day takes two weeks. That is a real problem for the country,” he said.

He also reminded civil servants to prevent leakages, end corruption and improve productivity. The government has increased aid allocations, eased fuel costs and rolled out housing programmes, but these must translate into real benefits.

“If wages have gone up and fuel prices have come down, but work is still slow, then we are asking for trouble,” he said.

Anwar said he is confident Malaysia can strengthen its economy and improve the rakyat’s well-being over the next two to three years if the entire government machinery focuses on getting things done.