ILTIZAM ACT 2025 MARKS MAJOR STEP TOWARDS EFFICIENT, AGILE PUBLIC SERVICE - PSD DG

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- 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 said the Act is not only aimed at rebuilding public trust, but also positioning Malaysia as a global model for modern governance.

“The rationale behind the enactment of the Iltizam Act is to ensure that public service reforms are no longer carried out in isolation, but are strengthened through a clear, consistent and accountable legal framework.

“The Act underscores 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,” he told Bernama in an interview here.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said that key provisions of the Act include the Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens by at least 25 per cent within three years, the implementation of a One-In, One-Out policy to enhance regulatory efficiency, as well as regular performance reporting and rating mechanisms.

“With this approach, Akta Iltizam helps to minimise bureaucratic red tape, overlapping processes and decision-making delays that may create room for abuse of power. It also indirectly supports corruption prevention by streamlining work processes, enhancing transparency and clarifying institutional accountability,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said Akta Iltizam 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 to be observed by all government entities.

“The Act adopts a continuous improvement approach through the Public Service Performance Index (I-PPA), rather than a punitive one. It aims 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,” he said.

He added that the Act will be aligned with the implementation of 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.

To ensure effective implementation, Wan Ahmad Dahlan said 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 the Act is implemented seriously, consistently and with high impact.

“Regular reporting and monitoring mechanisms will also be put in place to ensure sustained compliance and understanding across the public service,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan stressed that Phase 2 of the SSPA and the Akta Iltizam should not be viewed as separate initiatives, but as part of a new human resource management ecosystem built on the foundation of digital transformation.

He said that 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 Dec 6 in conjunction with the ‘Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku’ programme and the National Public Service Convention 2025, serving as a reference for implementation at all levels.

-- BERNAMA