Reference: Guidelines for Improving Governance in the Public Sector

Article by : Mr Sharul Azman Ramli

 

Public sector governance has always been the concern of all stakeholders including politicians, investors and the people. Therefore, efforts to enhance and strengthen public sector governance must be implemented continuously to increase the confidence of all stakeholders.

To implement efforts to institutionalize the principles and best practices of governance in the public sector, the Secretary General issued Guidelines for Improving Governance in the Public Sector on 9 March 2007.

Governance is defined as the way or system of administering, managing, regulating the policies, functions or operations of a corporation, company, etc. (DBP Dictionary). While in the context of the Public Sector, the best governance includes 3 main things, namely:-

1. Procedures for the implementation of responsibilities in a transparent, accountable and prudent manner in terms of decision making and delivery of results for all levels of management;
2. Structure, including culture, policies, and strategies and procedures for dealing with various stakeholders; and
3. The process of how public agencies are directed, controlled and held accountable for implementing objectives as agreed.

 

Public Sector Governance Focus

The best governance should focus on 2 main aspects, namely:-

1) Service Delivery Performance

Critical aspects in public sector service delivery. The public sector needs to ensure that service delivery is carried out efficiently and effectively as expected by stakeholders, value for money and reduction of waste of resources/funds; and

2) Legal Compliance

Each agency must comply with laws, regulations, standards, practice honesty, accountability, integrity and transparency.

 

Core Principles of Governance

 

Principles of best governance are based on 4 principles as follows :-

1) Integrity

Every civil servant should always be seen to have a high level of integrity in performing their duties

2) Accountability

Each agency is obliged to provide answers and explanations on a matter to anyone who is entitled to its duties and functions.

3) Trust and Supervision

Government officials are the trustees of the responsibilities assigned. This responsibility also needs to be given appropriate oversight.

4) Transparency

Responsibilities must be implemented transparently to build confidence in the public and stakeholders.

Efforts to improve public sector governance must be implemented continuously to instil and increase the people's confidence in the Government's ability to implement policies and maintain accountability in the public delivery system. This effort is also important to increase investor confidence to continue investing and have a positive impact on the people and the country.

 

 

Date of Input: 21/06/2022 | Updated: 21/06/2022 | nurmiera