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Malaysia Announces New Public Service Talent Development Policy

Malaysia's Public Service Department (JPA) is currently finalizing a new policy aimed at strengthening career pathways and fostering a culture of excellence within the civil service. The policy, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on August 15, during the Malaysia Administrative Public Policy Awards (MAPPA), is a response to the growing need for a skilled, ethical, and future-ready civil service.

The policy, yet to be fully implemented, will focus on two types of talent: high-potential officers ready for greater responsibilities and competent officers skilled in their current roles. Any related matters concerning merits will receive focused attention in the policy.

The new policy shares similarities with Singapore's Public Service Leadership Scheme, which provides faster career advancement opportunities for young civil servants. The policy review includes creating opportunities for younger officers to hold senior government positions.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, announced the policy review on August 19, 2023. She mentioned that Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Shakir Mohd Idris would head the new public service talent development policy.

The implementation details of the policy are still being finalized by JPA, who are carefully considering every aspect to ensure thorough planning. The policy change was announced alongside other civil service improvements such as the upgrades to the Malaysian Armed Forces scheme and Academic Recognition Awards (HPA) for civil servants.

The policy's announcement was in response to a supplementary question from Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, who asked about opportunities for young civil servants to be appointed to Chief Secretaries, similar to Singapore.

The policy, still in its final stages, is expected to bring about significant changes in the Malaysian civil service, focusing on merit-based opportunities and career advancement for young officers.