JPA reviewing civil service talent policy to give younger officers senior roles, says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the Public Service Department (JPA) is currently reviewing the new civil service talent development policy, including creating opportunities for younger officers to hold senior government positions.

She said that the implementation details are still being finalised, with JPA reviewing every aspect to ensure careful and comprehensive planning.

“However, the implementation details still need to be finalised. JPA will carefully consider these aspects to ensure thorough planning. Any related matters concerning merits will receive focused attention,” she told Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, who asked whether the recently announced public service talent development policy by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would create opportunities for young civil servants to be appointed to Chief Secretaries, similar to Singapore. 

Zaliha then said the policy, launched by the prime minister during the Malaysia Administrative Public Policy Awards (MAPPA) on August 15, aims to strengthen career pathways and foster a culture of excellence within the civil service.

She explained that the policy focuses on two types of talent which are high-potential officers ready for greater responsibilities and competent officers skilled in their current roles.

“This policy is similar in emphasis to Singapore’s Public Service Leadership Scheme, which provides faster career advancement opportunities for young civil servants,” she added. 

On Friday, Anwar launched the Public Service Talent Development Policy at the MAPPA 20th ceremony, highlighting the government’s dedication to cultivating a skilled, ethical, and future-ready civil service. 

The prime minister announced the policy change alongside other civil service improvements such as the upgrades to the Malaysian Armed Forces scheme and Academic Recognition Awards (HPA) for civil servants.

Zalani, A. (2025, August 20). JPA reviewing civil service talent policy to give younger officers senior roles, says Dr Zaliha. Malay Mail. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/20/jpa-reviewing-civil-service-talent-policy-to-give-younger-officers-senior-roles-says-dr-zaliha/188315

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