Latest news with #20thCivilServicePremierAssembly
The Star
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
PM: Act against rabble-rousers
Lauding good governance: Anwar (centre), with other Cabinet members and civil servants waving the Jalur Gemilang after the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. — Bernama PUTRAJAYA: All threats to national security, whether driven by racism, religious bigotry or political opportunism, will not be tolerated, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Extreme attitudes and arrogance as well as discriminatory behaviour based on race, lineage or skin colour, must be stopped immediately, the Prime Minister declared, adding that he has directed government agencies to take firm action. 'I have given clear instructions to enforcement bodies: if there are any elements – whether prominent figures, politicians, community leaders or ordinary citizens – engaged in threats or incitement, take action. 'The country's safety and peace must be preserved, regardless of race, religion, wealth or status.' Recent incidents, including cases of racial and religious tensions, bullying in schools and workplaces, and the deaths of students, have all been worrying. These instances, he said, must be properly addressed by enforcement bodies, educators, parents and the public. 'This is not something that can be solved through policy announcements or enforcement alone. 'It must come from the people's awareness that we are building a nation with strong economic growth alongside high moral values,' Anwar said in his speech at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly here yesterday. Citing as examples the death of schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir in Sabah and the improper handling of the national flag, he warned against exploiting such issues to inflame political sentiments. Anwar also underscored the need for investigations to be conducted promptly, transparently and fairly, without public prejudgment. 'If you follow the law and are willing to act, you can keep your position. 'If you can't, we will replace you with someone principled and courageous. 'This is not a popularity contest. This is about saving the nation,' he added. The Prime Minister warned against both the 'tyranny of the majority' and the 'tyranny of the minority,' reiterating his government's policy of zero tolerance of racism and religious bigotry. He said Malaysia's reputation as a peaceful nation capable of contributing to regional and international peace efforts depends on upholding justice and the rule of law.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Financial boost soon for Armed Forces, civil servants
PUTRAJAYA: Improvements to the Armed Forces service scheme and financial incentives to those who pursue further studies at their own expense are among new initiatives announced by the Prime Minister to strengthen the civil service. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has agreed to extend the performance-based incentive payment (BIP) scheme to cover more ranks in the Armed Forces. He said the scheme, currently limited to Warrant Officer II (Grade Z6) and Warrant Officer I (Grade Z7) who have served at least six years in their current grade, will now include those holding the rank of Sergeant or equivalent (Grade Z4) and Staff Sergeant or equivalent (Grade Z5). He said the qualifying service period for BIP in Grades Z4 to Z7 will be shortened from six years to four years. 'This expansion will benefit 3,789 personnel, with an annual financial implication of RM6.47mil, effective Jan 1, 2026,' he said at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly. The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of seven multi-entry qualifications for enlisted members of the armed forces at Grade Z1 (special duties) service scheme to include the medical corps, religious corps and engineering corps. The Prime Minister also announced an allocation of RM75.7mil to provide a one-off financial incentive to civil servants who begin and complete higher academic qualifications during their service, using their own funds. Under the Academic Recognition Award, the incentive amounts are set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification. 'Those who take the initiative to study on their own, we are giving them a small token of appreciation, even though the budget involves RM75.7mil. Imagine reducing allowances for their spouse just to pay tuition fees. 'This will benefit 91,672 civil servants. It is given once in their career, showing that we encourage them to improve their capabilities on their own initiative,' he said. To further strengthen the National Institute of Public Administration's position as a regional and global centre of excellence in public service, the Prime Minister announced an allocation of RM3mil for research and development, focusing on capacity building in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and post-quantum cryptography, among others. In another move aimed at easing the process for Muslim civil servants to perform the haj, Anwar announced the removal of the service confirmation requirement for permanent appointees. When met at the event, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan commended the initiative, saying that while government scholarships are available, the number of available spots is limited. 'Some officers pay for their own diploma, bachelor's degree, master's or PhD. 'Now, those eligible will receive this one-off payment, and we will begin processing it soon,' he said.
The Star
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cabinet enforces clear anti-bullying measures after Zara Qairina's death
PUTRAJAYA: The government is standardising the enforcement of Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code to make clear to all quarters that bullying is a crime, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic). He said the move is part of efforts to enforce newly amended anti-bullying laws and reflects Putrajaya's zero-tolerance stance on abuse. The matter was discussed at yesterday's Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following the high-profile death of a 13-year-old boarding school student in Sabah. 'The Prime Minister conveyed a firm view that the government will not allow such bullying behaviour to persist. 'Among the measures being coordinated by ministers is the implementation of the amended provisions, which took effect in July, and define bullying, including cyberbullying, as a criminal offence. 'We want to ensure all ministries, especially those managing educational institutions, such as boarding schools, understand and follow through with enforcement,' Fahmi told reporters after attending the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly here yesterday. The Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, aimed at tackling bullying more effectively, were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10 and in the Dewan Negara on Dec 16 last year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is also expected to address several cases in his ministerial statement in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, including the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir and the attack on the son of former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. Zara Qairina was found unconscious near her dormitory at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, on July 16 and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Although police initially classified the case as sudden death, public concern over possible bullying prompted the Attorney General's Chambers to order an exhumation and inquest. Investigations are ongoing, with Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standards Compliance Department also looking into possible procedural lapses by police and school supervisors. In the separate incident, Rafizi said two men on a motorcycle tailed his wife's car before one attacked his son with a syringe at a shopping mall in Putrajaya. He said he believes the attack was premeditated.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cuepacs hail incentive to encourage civil servants to further studies
PUTRAJAYA: The one-off incentive for civil servants who self-fund their studies will encourage others to further their studies, said the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs). Its president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, said such an effort would ultimately bring positive impact on the public service delivery system, as having more personnel with higher academic qualifications would lead to better performance and capabilities. "Although it is a one-time incentive, we are deeply moved by the recognition of the sacrifices made by those who furthered their studies on their own initiative, with their own expenses and great commitment. "This incentive is a form of recognition by the government, and it offers new hope to civil servants to continue improving their academic qualifications. "This is crucial as we work to enhance civil service performance and productivity. The announcement is also timely, as we will soon receive an additional seven per cent salary increase, making it all the more important that we are prepared to deliver the best possible impact in public service," he told reporters after the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly. Adnan also expressed his gratitude to the government for allowing civil servants who have yet to be confirmed in their positions to perform the haj. "If they were to miss their allocated turn, they would face a very long wait before getting another opportunity. Therefore, following our request and with the government's agreement, for which we are thankful, this decision provides an advantage to civil servants who have yet to be confirmed in their positions to perform the haj," he said. He said the continuation of the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) programme through the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), which had been extended until next year, would allow civil servants to pursue lifelong learning or upgrade their skills and competencies. "This is in line with the prime minister's aspiration for civil servants to continuously deliver the best possible service," he said. Adnan added that civil servants must always be ready to adapt, and failure to change would mean being left behind. This meant civil servants must embrace a new work culture and rhythm, and no longer work in the same complacent manner or adhere to outdated trends.
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Zero tolerance for bullying, incitement and racism](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FPM_150825_1755245435.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Zero tolerance for bullying, incitement and racism
PUTRAJAYA: There will be zero tolerance for bullying, intimidation, incitement — including racism — and strict action will be taken against offenders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly, Anwar warned that enforcement agencies entrusted with responsibilities but found unwilling or unprepared to act will be replaced with principled individuals. He said this was not a popularity contest but a matter of saving the nation. "Of late, there have been elements attempting to stoke racial and religious tensions, confusion caused by a lack of discernment, bullying in schools and healthcare departments, as well as cases of killings and deaths involving students and university undergraduates all of which are deeply troubling. "The cabinet has given its mandate, and I want to make it clear — whether it concerns the death of Zara in Sabah or the issue of the Jalur Gemilang, which we must honour and protect — these matters should not be exploited to inflame political tensions, or to criticise, insult, berate, or punish others without regard for rights or conscience," he said. "I urge and give clear instructions to all enforcement agencies: whenever there is an offender, whether a prominent figure, a politician, or an ordinary member of the public who is clearly involved in acts of intimidation or incitement, I say this: enough. "This is not a mere warning or reprimand. To safeguard the nation, firm and decisive action must be taken." Anwar said there must be consensus not only among enforcement bodies but across society, including parents, educators, and the public in matters peace and safety. He added that a nation driving robust economic growth cannot endure if the very pillars of its values and culture are eroding. "We have experienced seeds of division and the tragedy of racial riots. It often starts small. Today it might be the flag, in the past it could have been broadcasts or false news. Such things must never be allowed to happen," he said. Anwar reiterated that his administration would continue to guarantee the safety of all citizens regardless of race or religion and would never compromise on matters of violence. As such, he urged all parties to allow the authorities space to conduct investigations and to refrain from making unfounded assumptions that could prejudice cases. "Leave it to the wisdom of enforcement bodies. It's premature to point fingers, claiming it's the child of a certain VIP or this person or that. "Who are we to decide? We might as well shut down police stations if we think we can make all the decisions without any investigation.
