Kuala lumpur: The implementation of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025 (Iltizam Act) (Act 867) marks a bold step by Malaysia towards building a more adaptive, agile, and results-oriented public service. Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz stated that the Act aims to rebuild public trust and position Malaysia as a global model for modern governance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the rationale behind the enactment of the Iltizam Act is to ensure that public service reforms are strengthened through a clear, consistent, and accountable legal framework. The Act emphasizes the Government's commitment to reducing bureaucratic red tape, streamlining regulatory processes, and ensuring that government services are more responsive to the needs of the people and the business community.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan highlighted that key provisions of the Act involve the Government's dedication to reducing regulatory burdens by at least 25 percent within three years, implementing a One-In, One-Out policy to enhance regulatory efficiency, and establishing regular performance reporting and rating mechanisms. This approach helps to minimize bureaucratic red tape, overlapping processes, and decision-making delays, indirectly supporting corruption prevention by streamlining work processes, enhancing transparency, and clarifying institutional accountability.
The Iltizam Act serves as a strategic complement to existing laws such as the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act by establishing minimum standards of efficiency and governance for all government entities. The Act adopts a continuous improvement approach through the Public Service Performance Index (I-PPA), aiming to cultivate an ethical and transparent service culture. From the public's perspective, faster and more user-friendly service delivery will strengthen confidence in the capability and commitment of the public service. Overall, the Akta Iltizam helps build public trust and reinforces the image of the public service as a progressive and high-performing institution.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan added that the Act will align with Phase 2 of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics for talent management and more objective performance assessments. A Special Task Force known as Alpha ILTIZAM, led by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, has been established to monitor cross-agency alignment and coordination, ensuring high-impact implementation of the Act. Regular reporting and monitoring mechanisms will also be put in place to ensure sustained compliance and understanding across the public service.
He stressed that Phase 2 of the SSPA and the Akta Iltizam should be viewed as part of a new human resource management ecosystem built on digital transformation. While the SSPA provides a data-driven platform for decisions on annual salary progression, promotions, and placements, the Akta Iltizam offers the legal framework for a more flexible and efficient service model.
The Iltizam Circular, along with four key guidelines, was launched on December 6 in conjunction with the 'Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku' program and the National Public Service Convention 2025, serving as a reference for implementation at all levels.