The media can give constructive criticism to ensure public services are effective and efficient, chief secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa said.

Ali said the media plays an important role in complimenting the government's achievements but there are times they need to offer constructive criticism against certain efforts of the government.

He said the government was not expecting to be praised by the media on a daily basis as the compliments would only make public services too comfortable and complacent.

"We need the media to monitor the implementation of the public service system to provide services to the people.

"The media should play the role as the government's eyes and ears. Hence, we encourage the media to give us constructive criticism," Ali said in his speech at the Media Get Together with the Chief Secretary to the Government 2017 in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said the question of perception was very important and the media has helped the government in providing a clear picture to the people about the government policies and programmes.

Also present at the event were Public Services Department director-general Zainal Rahim Seman and the Communications and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.

- Bernama