Rafizi Ramli Calls for Fair & Objective Discussion on Civil Service Size - Ensure Size Control While Approving Staffing

Rafizi Ramli Calls for Fair & Objective Discussion on Civil Service Size - Ensure Size Control While Approving Staffing

25 Feb 2024

Kamran
A freelance content creator

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The size of Malaysia's civil service has long been a topic of debate, with many pointing out that the country has one of the largest civil services in comparison to other nations. Recently, Rafizi Ramli, a prominent figure in Malaysian politics, weighed in on the issue, calling for a fair and objective discussion on the matter.


Rafizi highlighted that the definition and context of civil servants vary from country to country. In Malaysia, for example, teachers and doctors are considered civil servants. He argued that having more teachers, doctors, and nurses is beneficial for the country as they play a crucial role in providing essential services to the people.


Contrary to the perception that the civil service is bloated, Rafizi emphasized that there are controls in place to manage staffing. The process of hiring civil servants requires approval, and ministries or agencies cannot easily increase the number of civil servants without proper allocation of resources. He also pointed out that decisions to add civil servants must be approved through allocations, ensuring a level of control over the size of the civil service.


Looking ahead, Rafizi suggested that with Malaysia's population set to increase, there is an opportunity to focus on recruiting civil servants in sectors that have a direct impact on the people, such as education and healthcare. He also emphasized the importance of digitization to make work processes more efficient, allowing resources to be redirected to sectors that require more support.


Rafizi's comments underscore the need for a nuanced discussion on the size of Malaysia's civil service. While concerns about the size of the civil service are valid, it is essential to consider the role of civil servants in providing crucial services to the people. As Malaysia continues to develop, it is crucial to strike a balance between maintaining an efficient civil service and ensuring that essential services are adequately provided to the population.