WFH Not a Free Pass: Chief Secretary Stresses Discipline and Accountability for Civil Servants
KUALA LUMPUR — Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has cautioned civil servants against treating the upcoming work-from-home (WFH) policy as an opportunity to relax, stressing that performance standards must remain unchanged.
With the policy set to begin on April 15, he said remote work requires the same level of discipline, accountability, and output as working in the office, supported by close supervision from department heads.
“WFH is not an excuse to rest or attend to personal matters. Work performance must be maintained,” he said in his keynote address at the Taat Setia Madani programme in Shah Alam.
He added that clear key performance indicators (KPIs) must be established in advance for all officers to ensure measurable and consistent results.
According to him, the initiative is part of broader civil service reforms that emphasise productivity and outcomes rather than physical presence.
At the same time, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar reminded civil servants of their duty to uphold loyalty to the king and country, including to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for those serving in Selangor.
He stressed that civil servants play a crucial role in executing government policies and must remain professional, free from personal or political influence.
“Loyalty must be reflected in every decision, not just during formal occasions,” he said.
Addressing current challenges, he highlighted global economic uncertainty and rising fuel subsidy costs, urging all government departments to adopt cost-saving measures.
These include reducing unnecessary electricity use, limiting physical meetings, and increasing the use of virtual platforms to cut operational expenses.
He also noted that the government’s decision not to hold an official Aidilfitri celebration this year reflects a commitment to moderation and solidarity with those facing hardship, including the people of Gaza.
In addition, civil servants were reminded to be cautious on social media and ensure that only verified information is shared with the public.
He stressed the importance of complying with regulations such as the Public Officers Regulations and the Official Secrets Act.
-wilayah.com.my
