KUALA LUMPUR: The call by the new Chief Secretary to the Government to revise outdated rules is timely, says Malaysia Integrity Institute member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
He said that Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has emphasized the necessity of revising outdated civil service rules to promote integrity, honesty, and accountability.
Lee then added that outdated policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) could foster power abuse and corruption.
“Obsolete regulations can impede civil servants from meeting the demands of contemporary governance,” Lee said on Sunday (September 8).
He added that he believes that a comprehensive review could weed out defunct practices and introduce regulations better aligned with today’s rapidly evolving work and social contexts.
Lee highlighted that establishing more robust oversight mechanisms through such a review could lead to enhanced public resource management and reduced unnecessary spending.
He proposed involving various stakeholders including civil society and the public in the review process through a social media platform, which he thinks would lead to a more inclusive and beneficial outcome for everyone.
Lee also asked about the progress of instituting Ombudsman Malaysia, intended as a replacement for the Public Complaints Bureau.
“The plan was for this body to independently address public grievances regarding government departments and procedures, a crucial aspect of fostering transparency and good governance,” he said.
Lee then added that an ombudsman would hold government entities and officials accountable, ensuring adherence to ethical practices and standards and acting as a bridge between citizens and the government to protect individual rights.
He added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be adopted to enhance the efficiency of government service delivery.
“AI has the potential to significantly boost effectiveness by automating routine tasks, freeing up civil servants for more strategic work, and providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making,” said Lee.
