PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 — Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar today suggested the national anthem Negaraku be played once a week at all ministries, departments and government agencies to instill patriotism among civil servants.
He expressed hope that a circular on cultivating patriotism among civil servants would soon be issued by the National Unity Ministry.
“This (strategy) is to instil the spirit of patriotism among civil servants. This can be done by implementing patriotic programmes and activities, such as playing the national anthem Negaraku once a week at all ministries, departments and agencies.
“The more often, the better. I’ll get the National Unity Ministry to elaborate on this matter,” he said in his speech at the KSN Leadership Aspiration Programme here today.
The proposal is the third strategy under the key result area for Appreciation of Values and Governance of the Public Service Reform Agenda.
The other four strategies under the key result area of the Appreciation of Values and Governance are to increase the appreciation of Malaysia Madani via the Malaysia Madani Training Module; ensure prudent spending of public funds; strengthen the integrity and accountability of civil servants; and strengthen green culture and resource sustainability.
Regarding the strategy of prudent spending of public funds, Shamsul Azri suggested issuing a circular on resource management through prudent practices and waste reduction, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and recognising ministries that achieve significant savings.
“I request the Finance Ministry to look into this matter,” he said.
Under the fourth strategy, which is to strengthen the integrity and accountability of civil servants, Shamsul Azri said he would chair a Special Task Force on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI Special Task Force ) to ensure Malaysia’s position in the CPI continues improving.
Earlier, he said Malaysia’s position in the CPI last year rose four places from 61st in 2022 to 57th, out of 180 countries.
“This shows that our efforts in improving governance and transparency are starting to show results,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri expressed disappointment over the failure of the majority of local government authorities to carry out the instructions in the Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Sumber Manusia Ceraian 1.2.1 on the establishment of an integrity unit, structure and staffing, as well as reporting and training.
“This failure is disappointing and should not have happened. Compliance with these instructions will be the main monitoring for the CPI Special Task Force,” he said.
— Bernama
