KUALA LUMPUR: Economist Professor Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali has praised the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) as a much-needed reform that will enhance government efficiency and effectiveness.
"I am very pleased with the way the prime minister framed the new SSPA. It is an excellent scheme that demands significant changes within the civil service," said Noor Azlan, who is also the Director of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute.
He added that the scheme is part of a broader reform agenda within the civil service, based on three key pillars.
"The first pillar focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the government. The second emphasises the readiness of the government and civil service to implement these changes, which is crucial for the nation's progress. The third pillar relates to enhancing the nation's competitiveness."
Noor Azlan stressed the urgency of these reforms, particularly in light of Malaysia's declining competitiveness.
He said that according to the most recent International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking, Malaysia has slipped to 34th place, a significant drop from its position in the early 2010s, when it consistently ranked between 10th and 14th.
"The decline in competitiveness is largely due to issues in government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure—three areas directly influenced by how the government and civil service operate," he explained.
"Currently, we are ranked 33rd in government efficiency, with several components falling below 30th place."
Given these challenges, Noor Azlan called on the government to swiftly outline the specifics of the reform agenda, including strategies, institutional frameworks, and timelines for implementation.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the new civil service salary rules, known as the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), will take effect from Dec 1.
"The Prime Minister's call for reform is timely, and I urge the government to quickly announce how these reforms will be executed, who will be responsible, and the timeframe for the changes," he added.
"This revision in the civil service scheme is likely to be well-received by the nation, as it addresses urgent needs for improvement."
He emphasised that the reforms should be expedited and implemented effectively to ensure that Malaysia regains its competitive edge on the global stage.