PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered that training for civil servants be expanded to all staff, especially younger officers, starting this year.
Speaking at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly, Anwar stressed the need for training to bridge gaps in efficiency and experience.
The focus should be on enhancing skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and energy transition, he said.
"I have mentioned that (there is a need for) the space to provide training and opportunities to civil servants, especially the younger ones, must be fully utilised.
"In terms of efficiency, AI, digital and energy transition, I want our capabilities should surpass those of the existing consultants within a few years.
"What is lacking for civil servants?
"It is training, experience, efficiency and strength, which differ from theoretical frameworks, discussions and paper evaluations," he said in his speech.
To support this vision, Anwar said the government is also willing to provide additional allocations to ensure that the civil servants concerned undergo intensive training.
"If additional training is given, I have proposed allocating an extra RM100 million or even RM200 million, if necessary, specifically to support intensive training programmes.
"It doesn't have to be academic degrees, whether in-country or abroad, (it can be) in the private sector or at higher education institutions, or centres of excellence in companies," he said.
Moving forward, Anwar said the focus should be on providing maximum exposure to younger civil servants.
In the next one to two years, Malaysia could produce a new generation of civil servants who do not only fully grasp Madani's aspirations but also possess enhanced skills, he said.
"I emphasise the importance of providing better opportunities even for technicians, agricultural workers and those in lower technical positions.
"I want civil servants and the public service in this country to become a model of excellence among developing nations, especially in the Islamic world.
"This is just the beginning," he said.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.