Since 1975, the Management and Training Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and its predecessor the Management Development Programme, have been providing extensive assistance to Commonwealth governments confronting the challenge of securing administrative and managerial improvements in the public sector. The Division's analyses of major trends and opportunities for public sector reform are complemented by its tailored consultancy and training packages designed in response to national and regional needs.

The Malaysian Public Service has been entrusted with the twin tasks of socio-economic development and nation-building. In ensuring that these tasks are carried out efficiently and effectively, the Government has introduced a successive series of administrative reforms pertinent to the nation's stability and growth. These reforms encompass structural changes, changes in management technologies, changes in skills, knowledge and attitudes, and changes in systems and procedures.

Under the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, citizens may not be discriminated against on the grounds of religion, race, descent or place of birth in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority (meaning generally government, a local authority or statutory authority). Women are given equal opportunity for appointment and promotion in the Civil Service. This entry covers the measure on non-discrimination on disability as there is a specific policy on this matter.

The evolution of the productivity and quality movement in the Public Service is best seen in an historical perspective. The development administration era of the 1960s and 1970s was instrumental in internalising the realisation that there is a constant need to improve consistently the service delivery system of the public sector. An outcome of that era was the setting up of the Development Administration Unit in 1966, the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) in 1972 and MAMPU in 1977.

Public reporting by the Government in policy, performance and information is covered either by law and regulations or administrative actions.

The practice of opening a ministry's door to receive public views on policy formulation is heightened under the Malaysia Incorporated policy. However, the final decision on the policy will remain with the Cabinet with due regard to general public interest.

Typically, a government agency is involved in policy formulation, executive activities and management of resources. The vital input for these activities is information which has been rendered available and useful through organised information systems. Information systems (IS) are the IT (information technology) and non-IT-based systems which support business needs.

Among the Government's efforts to strengthen internal control in government agencies is the setting up of Internal Audit Units (IAU). As at the end of 1993, a total of 17 ministries and departments have set up IAUs. The role and responsibilities of the IAU are outlined in Treasury Circular No. 2, 1979 on "Implementation of Internal Auditing in Federal Government Agencies".

This entry focuses on policy analysis contributing to the National Development Policy.