PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 — Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar today outlined four Quick Implementation Missions for 2026 to advance the aspirations of the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA).
The missions are to accelerate planning and implementation strategies, facilitate public service delivery, expedite the execution of ARPA initiatives, and strengthen overall communication across the public service.
Speaking at the KSN Mandate Ceremony here today, he said the approach is in line with the directive of the nation’s top leaders at the Cabinet Retreat 2026, which emphasised swift implementation accompanied by firm, consistent follow-up and follow-through.
“Based on this mandate, the theme ‘Accelerating Implementation, Intensifying Reform’ has been adopted as the guiding framework for the direction and actions of the public service in 2026,” he said.
He added that under the first mission, strategic planning by ministries and departments, including workshops, laboratories, seminars and initial budget allocations, must be completed by February 15, with the Finance Ministry tasked with facilitating the process.
He also said the first meeting of each ministry’s Development Action Committee (JTPK) must be held no later than January 31 to ensure that monitoring of development projects begins at the earliest stage.
Shamsul Azri added that emphasis must be placed on expediting the implementation of small, high-impact projects regarded as “low-hanging fruit”, optimising project costs, increasing allocations for the maintenance of schools including dilapidated ones, and providing full support for the procurement of local products.
Under the second mission, Shamsul Azri called for the optimisation of government facilities and amenities, whether in urban or rural areas, for programmes involving the people.
“The principle of ‘making things easier for the people, not harder’, must be fully embraced. This also applies to the ‘no wrong door’ policy, which must be implemented in earnest. If a matter does not fall under our jurisdiction, do not simply close the door on the people. Instead, assist them by guiding them to the appropriate channels,” he said.
For the third mission, he said emphasis would be placed on the implementation of the ARPA through Work Culture Reform (RBK).
“This includes shorter and more focused meetings, customer-friendly service delivery, energy-saving measures, the use of artificial intelligence, electronic document distribution and the adoption of green practices in the workplace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the fourth mission focuses on strengthening overall government communications, with the Corporate Communications Unit (UKK) required to be involved in the development of new policies.
“All government-related issues and news must be addressed swiftly to prevent polemics and the persistence of negative perceptions. We cannot deny the reality that today’s world is highly influenced by perception management.
“Therefore, the offices of ministries’ secretaries-general and their UKKs are obligated to screen the accuracy of data and facts, as well as ensure the appropriateness of language, tone, timing and context for every public announcement. I urge all department heads to take note of this,” he said.
He also urged civil servants to strengthen their personal financial literacy, noting that it contributes to emotional well-being, personal integrity and the ability to perform their duties with greater focus and effectiveness.
Shamsul Azri also highlighted the country’s achievements in 2025, including strong economic performance, a stable national labour market, the implementation of Madani initiatives such as the Madani Adoption Village, Sejati Madani, Santuni Madani and Sekolah Angkat Madani, as well as the successful organisation of the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits.
“Indeed, these achievements are the result of the solid commitment of the entire government machinery, particularly civil servants and all agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of implementation was carried out smoothly and systematically.
“For that, I extend my sincere appreciation,” Shamsul Azri said.
