03/09/2024

TUESDAY | SEP 3, 2024 2 PM: Immediate implementation of public service reform needed PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the immediate implementation of public service reform. “You can expect September to be a month of more vigorous reform movements. I will be holding discussions with the Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Director-General Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz to determine the necessary steps to further improve the already commendable performance.” Anwar was speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department yesterday. Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Shamsul Azri and Wan Ahmad Dahlan. Anwar, who is also finance minister, pointed out several areas of the public service that he considers still unsatisfactory, and urged all parties to promptly implement improvements. “The merging of agencies and departments has not been satisfactorily completed, and unnecessary staffing overlaps have yet to be resolved. “Reports from department heads, directors general and unit heads regarding the sluggishness and negligence of some officers have not reached a satisfactory level. We need to make significant changes in these areas.” He added that in addition to focusing on governance and economic growth, the Madani government framework also prioritises the people’s well-being. “I always believe that the speed and efficiency of implementing changes should match the demands of the era and time. “(Perhaps) there are some long-standing regulations that are good and should be continued, but others need to be adjusted according to focus and priority.” Anwar called on civil servants to give full cooperation to Shamsul Azri, just as it was given to former chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. – Bernama Success of National Day celebrations lauded PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to harness the spirit demonstrated during the National Day celebrations to drive self-improvement and enhance performance in all areas. He said the extraordinary success of the 67th National Day celebrations last Saturday proved that when there is determination, all Malaysians are capable of achieving much more. “I witnessed the Jalur Gemilang being proudly displayed around the world, and we are thankful for the peace and stability in our country and the increasing (patriotic) spirit among our people. “This spirit is not always consistently present. While we have celebrated 67 years of independence, not every year has seen the same level of enthusiasm. We must harness this spirit to boost our confidence and strive for improvement in all areas,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly yesterday. This year’s National Day, themed Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka, was celebrated at Dataran Putrajaya. Over 100,000 Malaysians of various races, religions and backgrounds attended the celebrations to showcase their love for the nation, while enjoying a variety of performances and witnessing the parade of national assets, including defence equipment. – Bernama

KLIA Aerotrain expected to be operational by Jan 31

“This will take about four months,” he said after inspecting the Aerotrain at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday. He said the dynamic inspection, in which the Aerotrain would be tested using the actual track, with trains going back and forth, would begin next month. “So, I would like to explain to passengers and the public that if they see the Aerotrain operating, it is a test to ensure that everything is running smoothly.” Loke added that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) needs to closely monitor and ensure that all processes and tests are carried out properly so that there are no more delays. “Next year is an important year for the country because we will chair Asean and hold international meetings and of course, we expect the Aerotrain to be ready.”

He said MAHB would receive three Aerotrain sets in total and each set has three coaches that can accommodate a capacity of 270 passengers. “The third set will arrive in October and be used as a back-up.” He said the shuttle bus service that was previously used to replace the Aerotrain would continue as an option for passengers due to the current large passenger movement volume, Bernama reported. In March 2022, MAHB announced the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project, with a timeline for completion of three years. However, the project suffered delays and was followed by the award of a new project in January this year to a consortium comprising Alstom, original equipment manufacturer Aerotrain and JMC-Pestech JV to steer the project back on track.

SEPANG: The automated people mover system (Aerotrain) at KL International Airport (KLIA) is expected to be operational again by Jan 31, 2025, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said two sets of Aerotrain arrived last week and are in the installation stage, which will be followed by an inspection phase. installation stage, to be followed by inspection phase: Transport minister o Two sets of trains arrived last week and currently in

Luxon and Anwar arriving for a luncheon at Seri Perdana yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC M’sia, New Zealand target 50% increase in bilateral trade by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to expand the value of bilateral trade by 50% by 2030, said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday. “We are working on e-certification and new Customs cooperation to ensure smooth flow at the borders. We also discussed strengthening our education links and our youth exchanges so that the next generation of Kiwis and Malaysians have that same close relationship that we enjoy.” Luxon was speaking at a joint media conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. He is on his first official visit to Malaysia from Sunday until today, marking a significant step in further strengthening the already robust ties between the two nations. The two leaders explored avenues for

deepening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on expanding trade, investment and defence cooperation. On Sunday, Luxon was greeted by Anwar on arrival at 9.30am at the KL International Airport on a commercial flight, before the national anthems of both countries were played. Luxon then inspected the main guard-of honour by three officers and 103 members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Mejar Khairul Fakhzan Zainol Abidin. Also present were both deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and senior government officials. Luxon, who assumed his premiership on Nov 27, 2023, acknowledged Malaysia’s incredible growth story.

“There is so much that New Zealand can learn from you. Your exceptional success in attracting foreign investments is something that I look forward to.” Anwar said Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to enhance collaboration in trade, investments and research, particularly in the halal industry, Bernama reported. He said he would meet the Cabinet today to seek advice on the measures needed to enhance ties between the two countries. In 2023, New Zealand was Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner, 22nd largest export destination and 27th largest source of imports among countries in the Oceania region, with total trade between both nations amounting to RM11.56 billion. A total of 24 investment projects valued at RM238.28 million were also approved last year, and are expected to generate 1,137 jobs.