'Gov't knows best' era is over
Published: Apr 9, 2009 5:13 PM | Updated: Apr 9, 2009 5:20 PM
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today acknowledged that the era of an over-authoritative government which maintained a 'government knows best' attitude is over.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak acknowledges that the era of an over-authoritative government which maintained a 'government knows best' attitude is over.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today acknowledged that the era of an over-authoritative government which maintained a 'government knows best' attitude is over.
In his speech at the administrative capital of Putrajaya this afternoon, he said the people have sent a message that they want a government that is responsive towards their needs and ready to serve the next generation.
In view of this, Najib called on the members of his new cabinet, which he revealed today, to serve with humility, dedication and commitment.
He also hoped that the new team will reflect the multiracial strength of Malaysia under Barisan Nasional, which represents every race in Malaysia.
Najib said the new cabinet, which is smaller than its predecessor, will be measured by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve its efficiency.
He also said that two ministries have been abolished, with their functions absorbed into other ministries.
A new ministry, termed the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, has been established to promote green technology.
Council of financial advisors
In addition, a new council of financial advisors will be established to aid the new government.
"The recovery of the economy and long-term prosperity of the nation shall be the main priority of this new government. Hence, the new government will be aided by a council of financial advisors who will report directly to me.
"This council will offer credible advice that is both independent and objective, in order to meet the current, challenging economic situation to build the foundations of an innovative economy," he said.
He also revealed that the positions of these financial advisors will be equal to those of cabinet ministers.
On the KPIs, Najd said it will take into account not the input, but the impact of each ministry's efforts to ensure a civil service that is of 'value for money'.
"The KPIs will reflect a new strategy of the government that will be led by one of the ministers in the Prime Minister's Department. To realise this strategy, I appeal to all civil servants to fulfil their tasks based on those KPIs.
"In addition, all 40 deputy ministers shall perform unique roles in preparing clear KPIs that cover the roles of their respective ministries within 30 days," he said.
Approach of a new government
The job of overseeing the KPIs will be held by minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
Najib added that he will personally oversee the administration of these KPIs and look into the performance of each ministry every six months.
"If any of these ministries are found to have failed to meet certain standards, I will commission civil servants to meet the obstacles that are hindering their performances," he said.
Another approach introduced by Najib is to concentrate on developing human capital. "The deputy minister will lead a team that is responsible for developing, utilising and maximising the potential of talents in the country."
The premier said it is crucial that the new team is guided by shared values that are demonstrated through integrity and high standards to retain the confidence of the people, talents and capabilities that are much needed in these challenging times, loyalty to the party and government, enthusiasm and passion to build a competent nation in the new century.
"May this new cabinet be not only a change of faces, but also a reorganisation of roles and portfolios. This new cabinet shall represent the approach of a new government that will be more transparent, responsible and focused on prioritising the people," he added.
In his speech at the administrative capital of Putrajaya this afternoon, he said the people have sent a message that they want a government that is responsive towards their needs and ready to serve the next generation.In view of this, Najib called on the members of his new cabinet, which he revealed today, to serve with humility, dedication and commitment.
He also hoped that the new team will reflect the multiracial strength of Malaysia under Barisan Nasional, which represents every race in Malaysia.
Najib said the new cabinet, which is smaller than its predecessor, will be measured by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve its efficiency.
He also said that two ministries have been abolished, with their functions absorbed into other ministries.
A new ministry, termed the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, has been established to promote green technology.
Council of financial advisors
In addition, a new council of financial advisors will be established to aid the new government.
"The recovery of the economy and long-term prosperity of the nation shall be the main priority of this new government. Hence, the new government will be aided by a council of financial advisors who will report directly to me.
"This council will offer credible advice that is both independent and objective, in order to meet the current, challenging economic situation to build the foundations of an innovative economy," he said.
He also revealed that the positions of these financial advisors will be equal to those of cabinet ministers.
On the KPIs, Najd said it will take into account not the input, but the impact of each ministry's efforts to ensure a civil service that is of 'value for money'.
"The KPIs will reflect a new strategy of the government that will be led by one of the ministers in the Prime Minister's Department. To realise this strategy, I appeal to all civil servants to fulfil their tasks based on those KPIs.
"In addition, all 40 deputy ministers shall perform unique roles in preparing clear KPIs that cover the roles of their respective ministries within 30 days," he said.
Approach of a new government
The job of overseeing the KPIs will be held by minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
Najib added that he will personally oversee the administration of these KPIs and look into the performance of each ministry every six months.
"If any of these ministries are found to have failed to meet certain standards, I will commission civil servants to meet the obstacles that are hindering their performances," he said.
Another approach introduced by Najib is to concentrate on developing human capital. "The deputy minister will lead a team that is responsible for developing, utilising and maximising the potential of talents in the country."
The premier said it is crucial that the new team is guided by shared values that are demonstrated through integrity and high standards to retain the confidence of the people, talents and capabilities that are much needed in these challenging times, loyalty to the party and government, enthusiasm and passion to build a competent nation in the new century.
"May this new cabinet be not only a change of faces, but also a reorganisation of roles and portfolios. This new cabinet shall represent the approach of a new government that will be more transparent, responsible and focused on prioritising the people," he added.
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