Page 12 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 Vol 1

can fulfil this aspiration, particularly in coordination between government agencies by reducing overlapping or the context of your role as Malaysia’s duplication of work, and broken down chief representatives abroad. the “silo mentality” that unfortunately exists. I must reiterate that NBOS is a Malaysia in Transformation strategy that we should continue to Transformation is an inevitable part of utilise: that we come together and do our journey towards realising Vision things quickly, in a cost effective 2020. “Inevitable” because as an open manner, for the well-being of the economy in a challenging international rakyat, and I fervently hope that NBOS environment, we must remain a is also applied in our missions competitive, moderate, and dynamic abroad. nation to keep pace with the rest of the world. There is a need for us to escape While we transform the nation as a the middle-income trap and take that whole, our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ quantum leap into the next level. The Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak National Transformation Agenda was has also put credence on the impor- introduced as a means for us to drive tance of transforming the civil service; our nation to the next level. I believe to strengthen and restructure the organisation to remain relevant in line the acronyms of GTP, ETP, STP and with current developments. PTP are familiar to all of us here, and barakatuh, Salam Sejahtera and that there is good understanding of the objectives of these programmes YAB Prime Minister during his Keynote Salam 1Malaysia. towards nation-building. Hence, I will Address at this conference yesterday, First and foremost, allow me to take not delve into it in detail. highlighted the need for us to embrace this opportunity to thank Wisma Putra our position as one of the region’s for inviting me to address our Heads of However, as the backbone of our Middle Power of states that rarely act Mission, at this 8th Heads of Mission nation’s transformation agenda, we as alone, but which have a significant, Conference. This conference is an civil servants must realise that we systematic impact in a small group or institutions. In this excellent platform for the Heads of have a huge responsibility on our international Mission to be updated on the latest shoulders to implement the plans and regard, I believe that Wisma Putra initiatives outlined under the various must be proactive to the transforma- policies of the government, particular- transformation programmes. Fortu- ly the National Transformation Agen- tions around us, and to come up with nately, we have had much success in a transformation of its own: a foreign da, towards realising Malaysia’s aspiration to become a high-income translating the plans into action by policy which will see Malaysia realise developed nation by the year 2020. utilising the National Blue Ocean its Vision 2020, to become a high-in- This conference is also opportune as it Strategy (NBOS). With “low cost, high come developed nation status and will enable us to exchange views and impact and rapidly executed” as the beyond. The Public Service Depart- FORUM Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa- ideas on how we in the public service key words, NBOS has fostered closer ment and the Ministry of Finance (for course of your duty, in explaining our activities. This should never be cited 2013, ahead of countries the theme of this conference, Trans- ties for senior officials who are still at example) are currently undergoing policies, as well as coordinating efforts as a reason to reduce our activities. such as the Republic of Korea forming Malaysia’s Diplomacy To- Grade 54, the government look transformation to improve their service among the different agencies at your Trying times require innovative and second behind Singapore wards 2020 and Beyond, Malaysia’s favourably at providing a “one-off” delivery, and all other ministries will respective posts to further Malaysia’s solutions and this is where your among Southeast Asian diplomacy must continue to spear- promotions based on high standards follow suit soon, including Wisma interests abroad. Engagement must leadership and creativity will be countries; and head and support the government’s of performance prior to retirement, Putra. May I remind that the core of take place beyond the Foreign Minis- tested. • 32nd position, out of 142 initiatives abroad. We must not be namely in the form of KUP JUSA ‘C’. this transformation should be centred try and official channels of host countries in the Global Inno- complacent with our achievements And I also look forward to having more on the rakyat’s need and expectations, governments. Corporate launches, In this regard, I commend Wisma vation Index 2013. and the favourable rankings that we women ambassadors in the future, in and hence, we must change to remain appearances in academic settings or Putra for convening the 8th Heads of have achieved so far. line with our government’s aspirations relevant. social gatherings, and interviews with Missions Conference here at IDFR These accolades are an indication of of at least 30% women indeci- the media are among the many instead of in a hotel, in line with the our international standing that we The civil service is doing well and sion-making positions in the civil Merakyatkan Perkhidmatan Awam avenues of projecting our interests. austerity measures introduced. And as must continue to improve on. We making positive strides forward, but service by the year 2015. highlighted by YAB Prime Minister must continue to promote confidence we certainly have the potential to do Mindful of the importance to win the Austerity Measures and Sacrifices yesterday, despite having a small in Malaysia as a politically stable better. Therefore it is important for civil In formulating and implementing hearts and minds of the rakyat, I intro- budget, Wisma Putra is one of the country, which for decades has servants to operate as a thinking Malaysia’s foreign policy, the leader- duced the concept of Merakyatkan As civil servants, it is incumbent that most cost-efficient ministries. In fact, I offered a conducive environment for public service that is adaptable, ship role of Wisma Putra will become Perkhidmatan Awam or “Humanising we show an exemplary attitude to the have discussed with your top business and investment. responsive, proactive, accountable more important and crucial in the the Public Service”. This concept rakyat and make certain sacrifices management during my working visit and efficient in implementing policies, years ahead as the issues we face will encapsulates our role as public when the need arises. Recently, YAB to Wisma Putra in September last year Malaysia is aware that in order to so as to gain the public’s confidence become more complex and multi-fac- officials who not only provide services Prime Minister announced 11 cost- that the government is open to develop and prosper, we cannot do it and dispel any negative perception eted. I am also cognisant of the fact to the people, but also receive cutting measures for the government requests for additional resources, and alone. We must seek partnership with of the service. that we are chairing ASEAN in 2015. In services from our colleagues in the sector, which are estimated to save for Wisma Putra to come up with a other countries and the rest of the this regard, I have proposed for Malay- civil service. I urge Wisma Putra RM400 million this year. Indeed, these special fund as part of its transforma- world. Malaysia must accelerate its At this juncture, I would like to take the sia to host the Inaugural ASEAN officials to deliver “people-centric measures are evident of the sacrifices tion. economic diplomacy, not only at the opportunity to put forth a few words of Heads of Civil Service and First services” to the rakyat, and indirectly made by civil servants in order to bilateral level, but also at the regional advice to all Heads of Mission, and ASEAN Public Service Games on the to ourselves, based on the six guiding assist the government curb its Malaysia in the Global Arena and multilateral level, as an important Malaysian diplomats in dispensing sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in principles, namely: spending. dimension of its international relations, your duties overseas: 2015. I most certainly look forward to Globally, Malaysia is perceived as a and for purposes of securing the working closely with Wisma Putra in i) Openness (Keterbukaan); Most of us recall the measures under- dynamic and competitive nation. We country’s wider foreign policy objec- i) Acquire new skills, be it in ensuring the success of these events. ii) Going to the Grassroots taken during the recession that befell are ranked at: tives. Malaysia must continue to foster the form of a foreign lang- (Turun Padang); us in the 1980s and during the friendly and beneficial relations with all uage, or enhancing your Experience has shown that the task iii) Engagement (Musyawarah); 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis. This • 6th position in the World countries. negotiation skills, as these ahead of us is indeed challenging and iv) Soft Skills or Striking a Ba- latest austerity measure is nothing Bank’s Ease of Doing Busi- will indeed be useful for a demanding. I am pleased to acknowl- lance between the Spiritual new and the comfort we can find in ness 2014 Report, a signifi- As Malaysia is not spared from the successful diplomatic career; edge the presence at this conference, and the Physical Aspect this is: we have weathered many cant improvement from our volatility of the external economic ii) Ensure that there is no room a list of prominent and experienced (Insaniah); storms before, and we will weather previous ranking of 23rd environment, the government will for integrity issues to surface speakers who will share ideas and v) Camaraderie or Sense of Be- this one too. However, austerity position three years ago; continue to take measures to streng- in the course of dispensing lessons learnt in addressing a myriad longing (Kekitaan); and measures may be seen as delimiting • 24th position in the Global then its competitive advantage in your duties, that may mar of issues to transform Malaysia’s vi) Resource Sharing and Colla- opportunities to carry out certain Competitiveness Report wooing foreign direct investments and the good image of our King diplomacy towards 2020 and beyond. boration through Public-Pri- finding new markets for our products. and Country; vate and Non-Governmental Malaysia will continue to promote the iii) While abroad, have respect I trust your interaction with various Organisations (NGOs) Part- participation of the private sector in and understanding of the stakeholders over the course of this nership. developing the country. rule of law of the host country, conference will provide you with so you may disseminate valuable insights that would be useful I am glad to note that Wisma Putra has And this is where I see the role of the those laws to Malaysians in discharging your duties during these introduced its own version of turun Heads of Mission as crucial. You are under your care and avoid challenging times. padang in the form of Program the best contact persons in dissemi- untoward incidences to Mendampingi Rakyat Malaysia since nating information on the opportuni- happen; I look forward to a fruitful discussion 2009. This is an excellent example of ties available in Malaysia for investors. iv) Take interest in the welfare with you after this, and wish you all the how the Heads of Mission can be the Thus, I hope that you will continue to of Malaysians under your best when you return to your host government’s “touch points” with our develop and nurture your contacts and watch, be it your own officers countries. citizens abroad, and how it enhances access to leading figures in your host and their families, students the principle of openness (keterbu- country that could generate tangible or working professionals; and Thank you. kaan). I believe the turun padang benefits to Malaysia. v) Treat and assist all visiting sessions will enable us to identify government officials equally problems faced by our stakeholders Expectations should they be in your host and clients, apart from cultivating and country attending meetings establishing networks. As Heads of This last leg towards 2020 and beyond or on official trips. Mission, I trust that you will be active will be a challenging one, and it is in engaging those you meet in the important that we succeed. In line with With regards to promotion opportuni- 12 bulletin@idfr.gov.my