‘Embrace change’ - PM tells civil servants in maiden PMO speech

Newly minted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged civil servants to embrace change in order for the country to return to its former glory.

Addressing members of the Prime Minister’s Office in a maiden speech this morning, Anwar expressed hope for a new beginning following the deterioration of the economy, stability, as well as discipline of the country. 

“In other words, there’s a need for reform. I advise those who will be chosen as ministers, God willing in this short time, to respect this process. 

“I want to assure all of you that the core service system remains, but with the intention and interest of upholding human dignity and service,” he said at Dataran Perdana Putra this morning.

For such changes to take place, the 10th prime minister, who had previously served in a number of ministries, stressed that there must first be a change in leadership.

However, he said reform would be impossible if the civil service, as the pillar of the nation in upholding the system via laws and regulations, is not with him. 

“The leadership of ministries and departments must accept the reality so I don’t have to worry much about facing problems in public service departments. I hope you work and respect the discipline.

“If there were laxity, violation, or negligence before, that is in the past.

“What is important is that we move forward, it’s actually a futuristic analysis of what we can and should do in preparing ourselves for the future,” Anwar said.

No more procurements without tenders

In addition, the Tambun MP stressed that there’s no room for the country to continue allowing leakages and corruption in the government’s procurement process.

“There can no longer be approvals for procurements without tenders.”

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