Kuala lumpur: Civil servants must uphold integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of amanah in driving national reform, stated Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He emphasized that the role of the public service extends beyond policy implementation, embodying leadership rooted in values to sincerely and effectively serve the populace.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri expressed, “Many have asked what keeps me grounded in the face of pressure and responsibility. My answer has always been the same-it is rasa kasih sayang. A deep sense of care. A quiet sense of responsibility. A sincere commitment to honor the amanah we carry.” These remarks were made at the launch of the Azman Hashim International Business School Action Research Conference 2025 (AHIBS-ACT 2025), organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
He highlighted that the ongoing public sector reforms, including those under the Administrative Reform Performance and Acceleration (ARPA) initiative, require challenging outdated norms, dismantling silos, and rebuilding public trust. “Transformation is not something that begins with systems. It begins with people-in how we confront our assumptions, embrace learning, and lead with truth,” he added.
Sharing his personal journey, Shamsul Azri disclosed his decision to pursue a doctorate in business administration at AHIBS, driven by the belief that leadership involves continuous learning. “That is why I returned to the classroom. To remember what matters. To remember that every policy touches a life, every reform affects a soul, and every title we carry is meaningless if we forget the people we serve.”
He stressed that leadership is characterized by the courage to ask meaningful questions and the humility to grow, highlighting the role of universities like AHIBS in nurturing future-ready leaders through research, reflection, and community engagement.
Shamsul Azri also underscored the importance of ethical leadership in an era marked by artificial intelligence and rapid digital transformation. “Transformation without ethics is mere automation. Our true strength lies not only in our ability to innovate but also in our ability to remain human.”
He concluded by addressing researchers and thinkers, emphasizing their responsibility as creators of change in this era. “Your insights and dedication are the seeds from which a kinder, wiser, and stronger future may grow.”