Innovation Is Critical Need To Keep The Public Sector Relevant And Competitive - KSN

SHAH ALAM, April 14 (Bernama) -- The ability to innovate is no longer an option, but a vital necessity to ensure the public sector remains relevant and competitive, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Speaking at the 2026 Public Sector Innovation Drive programme, he said innovation should be rooted in local realities and Malaysian customs, leveraging the country’s strong domestic innovation base to explore new opportunities through practical approaches.

“…this includes using data analytics to better anticipate the public’s needs, as well as fully digitising government services to speed up delivery,” he said at the event held today at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre.

Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, and Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar.

Shamsul Azri said that under a Digital Ministry circular dated Feb 9, 2026, all ministries and government departments have been directed to begin digitising basic operations such as meetings, internal memos, and administrative procedures as the first phase of implementation.

In addition, all chief secretaries and heads of service have been asked to submit monthly reports on the progress of digitalisation in the public sector.

He said innovation in the public sector should not be limited to new technology alone, but should also include systemic reforms, process improvements, and better public well‑being.

“Innovation is not just about winning awards, but must make a real difference by making things easier for the public, speeding up service delivery, and strengthening trust in government institutions,” he said.

He highlighted the success of several initiatives under the Special Task Force for Agency Reform (STAR), including reducing the processing time for disaster relief assistance and e‑Kasih applications from 1 hour to 5 minutes through the e‑Penghulu system.

He added that development permit approval times have been cut from 24 months to 10 months at Kulim Municipal Council through the E‑10 system, and to 14 months at Kulai Municipal Council.

“These innovations not only make operations more efficient, but also help boost investment, create jobs, and increase revenue for local authorities,” he said.

He also said that the implementation of the Demerit Performance Evaluation (DEEP) for senior government officers has also produced positive results, with project implementation rates reaching 122 per cent as of December 2025, stalled projects down 45 per cent, delayed projects reduced by 16 per cent, and planning gaps almost fully resolved.

-- BERNAMA