Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the government views seriously the issues highlighted in the 2012 Auditor-General’s Report.

Najib said that the Public Service Department (JPA) is investigating and taking action on more than 100 cases “for non-compliance on financial procedures including procurement procedures”.

Aside from that, he said, 15 cases are currently being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for possible prosecution.

“To enhance confidence of the rakyat as well as uphold the image and credibility of the civil service, a special committee has been established, chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government, to investigate and take stern action against errant civil servants," said Najib in his Budget 2014 speech earlier today.

Elaborating on one of the key thrusts of the Budget, Najib said in order to strengthen the country’s financial management, Malaysia needs to transform its civil service first.

Najib also said that the Government plans to implement transformation plans in every ministry to improve the service delivery system.

“This is important to strengthen and restructure the organisation to remain relevant in line with current developments.”

To enhance integrity, said Najib, the Government will establish an Integrity Management Unit with MACC officers in each ministry to increase compliance and adherence with established procedures.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low recently told Astro AWANI that he was spearheading ministry-by-ministry units

Bonus

Meanwhile, to appreciate the contributions of civil servants, Najib announced a half-month bonus for them this year with a minimum payment of RM500 and RM250 to retirees.

This sum will be paid next January.

Last July, the Government had already implemented a pay-raise that took up RM1.6 billion in allocation.
The Government handed out three increments to those who had already reached their maximum pay in all schemes of service, benefiting 182,434 civil servants.

“I am glad to announce that the Government has agreed to improve 81 schemes of service from November,” he said.

Najib also said "This is a post-election budget which fulfils promises made during the election.

“Our efforts will not end here. On the contrary, Barisan Nasional will continue to lead the nation with vigour and courage for the next 50 years.”