Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tightens his grip on the political landscape with a bold move to reform the civil service, but it could provoke resistance.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made a surprising move by appointing a relatively unknown figure, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as the Chief Secretary to the Government, a position of significant power in Malaysia’s public sector. This decision, announced last week, signals a clear intention to drive reforms within the civil service and has created unease among senior officials accustomed to promotions based on seniority and political affiliation.
Shamsul, a low-profile civil servant, is known for his behind-the-scenes work as the government’s lead negotiator in the privatisation of state firms. The appointment has drawn attention as it bypasses over 20 senior candidates, which has raised concerns within the establishment. Shamsul, a 55-year-old from Pahang, was personally chosen by Anwar, partly for his integrity and his ability to ensure continuity in leadership within the civil service.
Taking office on August 12, Shamsul is expected to lead Malaysia’s public sector for the next five years, until his retirement at 60. His appointment is expected to pave the way for further changes in government ministries, particularly in the Home Ministry, where ongoing efforts are underway to streamline agencies managing border control and immigration.
Political Significance of the Appointment
Shamsul’s promotion comes at a time when Anwar is actively reshaping Malaysia’s civil service, which has long been a bastion of power and influence. The public sector in Malaysia controls key industries, from banking and power generation to telecommunications, and has traditionally been closely tied to the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
For decades, promotions within the civil service were determined by loyalty to UMNO, but since the government’s shift in 2018, following the fall of the UMNO-led coalition, the civil service has gained more political weight. Anwar’s push to professionalise the workforce and curb corruption has been a top priority since he took office in November 2022.
Potential Backlash from the Civil Service
Anwar’s surprise appointment of Shamsul is seen by many as a break from tradition, especially given that Shamsul has no political connections to the previous administrations. His rise to the top has sparked debates within the civil service, with some fearing that it may lead to a backlash from senior officials who are not accustomed to such decisions.
The new chief secretary’s appointment comes amidst Anwar’s broader efforts to fight corruption, with public procurement remaining a major area of concern for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). As of July 2023, around 70% of complaints received by the MACC were related to public procurement, showing the pervasive nature of corruption within the civil service.
Reform Efforts and Risks
Anwar’s civil service reforms come after a series of meetings with enforcement agencies where the prime minister expressed frustration over the lack of progress in major corruption cases. His decision to appoint Shamsul, despite other senior candidates being recommended, demonstrates his determination to clean up the system. However, the risk of alienating key parts of the civil service remains, with some analysts cautioning that too much disruption could create resistance within this powerful institution.
Mr. Ibrahim Suffian, co-founder of the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, noted that while Anwar’s reforms reflect strengthening political and economic stability, the civil service’s reaction to the changes will be crucial. “A backlash is always possible, and he must be careful not to disrupt the system too drastically,” he said.
