LETTERS: The new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), unveiled by the prime minister on Aug 16, 2024, was most gratifying for the entire public sector consisting of a workforce of more than 1.6 million.
The introduction of the SSPA in replacing the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) is perceived to be a game changer and will lead to robust public sector reform.
The prime minister was bold and affirmative in his reformation vision to raise the bar and quality of public sector standing to be among the best in the region and at par with developed nations. The measure was the result of more than a year of comprehensive study by the Public Service Department.
To prosper the sector further, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim infused three key components as pillars: increasing productivity and efficiency, bolstering civil servants' readiness to implement changes and solidifying the nation's competitiveness.
The implementation of the SSPA is expected to enhance transparency and accountability within the civil service and help curb ethical and integrity concerns in public spending. The proposed remuneration hike also ensures that public servants will be more accountable for their actions and gives greater confidence to the public that efficiency and integrity will be enhanced.
Under this reformative action, the SSPA aims to focus on strengthening talent management by attracting and retaining top talent in the public sector. It can remain an attractive career choice parallel to the private sector for highly skilled professionals, strengthening its capacity to address complex national challenges.
In a wider perspective, the SSPA is poised to have a profound impact, especially on the question of public trust. By emphasising quality and noble values, it will help rebuild public confidence in the government as citizens will be able to see a direct link between public servants' performance and the quality of services they receive.
The SSPA represents a bold and innovative plan for the public sector after more than a decade. It is expected to reward high-performing individuals, recognise their contribution and be compensated accordingly.
It has the potential to transform the way public servants are assessed and, in turn, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery. Successful implementation of the SSPA could position Malaysia as a leader in public sector reform, project a good image, attract more investments and boost the domestic economy. It should set a foundation for a new standard for governance for now and in the future.
DR G. PERIASAMY
Senior Research Fellow,
National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN),
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times