STAR Reviews AI Investment, Ensure More Efficient Government

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) is conducting a comprehensive review of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that investments in the technology genuinely enhance the efficiency of government administration and service delivery.

In a statement today, STAR said an analysis of the “AI Productivity Paradox” presented at its latest meeting revealed that while AI can save time, it has not yet translated into higher national productivity.

STAR Meeting No. 7 of 2025, held yesterday and chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, discussed the progress of STAR projects, reviewed issues related to administrative efficiency, and considered several strategic initiatives.

Among the matters addressed were the management of government quarters, border security, disruption of the immigration system, and technological challenges in public administration.

The meeting also emphasised the importance of strengthening the integrity of the public service, especially at the country’s entry points, in line with the government’s efforts to ensure transparent and accountable governance

STAR will continue to examine factors affecting service delivery effectiveness and improve operational procedures and support systems to align with international best practices.

During the meeting, three ministries received Bureaucratic Reform (RKB) certificates of appreciation.

They are the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), for digitalising social work courses, achieving annual compliance cost savings of RM150,000 and the Ministry of Education (MOE) for reducing the appeal process for admission to Matriculation Colleges from 12 working days to just five, resulting in annual savings of RM7.5 million.

The other is the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities for improving the Malaysian Rubber Board’s licensing and permit services, which led to a 68 per cent reduction in compliance costs and annual savings of RM11.4 million.

STAR, coordinated by the Performance Surge Coordination Unit in collaboration with the MADANI Monitoring Unit and the Malaysian Productivity Corporation, will continue to play a strategic role in advancing policy implementation and addressing cross-ministerial and inter-agency challenges.

-- BERNAMA