10/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 10, 2026

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COMMENT by Mohamad Nazrain Nordin

Reshaping public service work culture G overnments around the world are realising that reforms often fail not because of weak policies but more from unchanged work habits. Slow decision-making and economic resilience, they have not always translated into stronger public trust or confidence. This disparity is evident in international comparisons.

Malaysia’s rise to 23rd place in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking signals gains in efficiency and investment appeal. However, its unchanged position in the Corruption Perceptions Index highlights persistent concerns about governance. Research by the

inconsistent service can undermine performance just as much as unfulfilled government promises. Accountability, integrity and professionalism now define expectations for Malaysia’s civil service in 2026. This reflects a clear

World Bank and OECD consistently shows that public trust depends not just on good policies but also on how institutions act in their daily interactions with the public. In this broader context, the chief secretary to the government’s recent annual address reflected a growing view within the administration: work culture reform must now take priority if reforms are to succeed. Issues such as integrity misconducts, poor discipline and inefficient service are no longer treated as isolated problems. They are gradually viewed as deeper weaknesses that have an impact on the perception of the civil service as a whole. Looking at reform

shift in how public sector performance is judged. While structural reforms, new laws and digitalisation remain important, they are no longer seen as guarantees of success. Real results depend on everyday behaviour, including responsible use of power, timely decision-making and consistent application of rules. Once considered a minor concern, work culture is now widely regarded as the foundation of credibility and trust. Malaysia’s economy is performing reasonably well. In the third quarter of 2025, it grew by an estimated 5.2%, and full-year growth for 2026 is projected at around 4.3 to 4.6%. Inflation in Malaysia was 1.6% in December 2025, reflecting continued price moderation

“Real results depend on everyday behaviour, including responsible use of power, timely decision making and consistent application of rules.

Once considered a minor concern, work culture is now widely regarded as the foundation of credibility and trust. – BERNAMAPIC

match, confidence and trust can grow, otherwise doubt will set in. The challenge facing Malaysia’s civil service is not only about setting a direction; the expectations are already clear: 0 Execution must be faster with clarity, bravery and discipline. 0 Reform must be intensified – not just in policies and procedures but also in mindsets, work practices and public service delivery. Only with the right work culture – one grounded in discipline, efficiency and effectiveness – can the true meaning of reform be realised. In this way, work culture has become the real benchmark of reform. MohamadNazrain Nordin is a senior training consultant at the National Institute of Public Administration. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Meetings are expected to be shorter and more focused, with clear decisions and follow-up. Administrative work is being pushed towards digitalisation, including paperless processes, electronic communication and increased usage of e-invoicing. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is strongly supported as a tool to help civil servants work faster and more effectively. Furthermore, communication is also viewed as part of work culture. Experience from other countries shows that reforms lose support when policies are poorly explained or when messages are inconsistent. It is now imperative to have clarity and timeliness of communication, using language that the public can easily understand. When actions and messages

no minor inefficiencies. They are recognised as practices that impede service delivery and frustrate the public. In a society that expects timely and reliable services, these habits come at a real cost. Integrity remains central to this reset. Recent high-profile cases have shown how quickly trust can be lost whenever moral principles are undermined. The renewed focus is on avoiding conflicts of interest, preventing abuse of power and ensuring responsible financial behaviours. Ethical conduct is now continuously being evaluated in the public eye rather than just within the system due to increased transparency and faster information flow. The expectations associated with work culture reform are practical. longer considered

through a cultural perspective shifts attention to everyday conduct. Being punctual, completing deadlines and taking responsibility for decisions are seen as basic professional norms rather than voluntary behaviours. Long meetings with no clear outcome or decision, overly complex procedures and excessive caution are

and the unemployment rate fell to 2.9% – its lowest in more than a decade. The government also narrowed the fiscal deficit to an estimated 3.8% of GDP, marking a continued improvement from the larger deficits seen during the pandemic. Although these figures point to