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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) September 2023
In the posh upmarket neighbourhood of Bukit Damansara, a group of retired senior civil servants and former ministers sat at Mubeen Restaurant for breakfast one morning in August and inadvertenhtly, someone raised a question of whether the Madani government is getting adequate support from the Malaysian civil service.
Someone in the know commented that hardly 50% are supportive, but not many around the table believed him and questioned the source of his information. However, without reliable data, the discussion fizzled out until late August when Ilham research centre published its report.
Anyway, as a preamble to our discussion here, let me make an assertion that in recent years, the Malaysian civil service has emerged as a key player on the nation's political landscape.
With the advent of Madani Malaysia—a concept championed to promote an inclusive and equitable society—it becomes crucial to examine how civil servants perceive their roles in advancing this vision.
Their perception of the concept and their belief in its objectives might determine the success and survival of the Madani government itself.
A recent study conducted by Ilham Centre, led by Muhamad Hisommudin Bakar, has shed light on the sentiments held by civil servants, revealing a nuanced picture of their stance in the ever-evolving political landscape.
The study's findings indicate that a segment of civil servants, particularly those interviewed from states that recently underwent elections, continue to hold a perception that Malay and Islamic sentiments are under threat.
This perceived threat has led them to rally behind the previous government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was seen as a defender of these sentiments.
This is further reinforced by the sentiment of trust felt by civil servants during that period, characterized by a lack of controversy or perceived disturbance in their duties.
The lingering sentiments also paint a contrasting picture of the Anwar Ibrahim administration.
During his tenure, civil servants reportedly expressed discomfort in the face of accusations of corruption and perceived incompetence among some ministers from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
The feeling of being 'offended' by such allegations, coupled with concerns about the unity government's leadership and decision-making, contributed to a deficit of support for Anwar's administration.
The civil service's discontent with the PH rule appears to be rooted in a history that stretches back to the initial stint of the coalition's governance in 2018.
Notably, statements made by PH leaders back then, advocating for a reduction in numbers of civil servants, were interpreted by some as jeopardizing the positions of Malays and Muslims within the public service.
These sentiments, combined with the uncertainties surrounding their roles, fostered a sense of insecurity among civil servants until the transition to Muhyiddin's administration after the fall of PH government in 2020.
In light of these findings, it is essential to address and reconcile these divergent sentiments to foster national unity and progress.
So, the doubts raised in early August about support for the Madani government from the civil service is actually valid. Now, Ilham Centre's findings corroborate the opinion of the retired senior civil servant earlier.
Obviously, PMX is not getting 100% support from the civil service that he needs for the Madani government.
The concept of Madani Malaysia, aimed at fostering an inclusive and harmonious society, can only be realized when there is trust and collaboration between the civil service, the government, and all segments of society.
To this end, it becomes paramount for the government to address the concerns raised by civil servants regarding their roles, security, and representation within the decision-making process.
Engaging in open dialogue and fostering a sense of belonging among civil servants, irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, could be a significant step forward.
Leaders, both political and administrative, should be mindful of their rhetoric and actions, ensuring they align with the principles of Madani Malaysia.
A united effort to dispel misunderstandings and foster a shared vision of progress will be pivotal in steering the nation toward its desired path.
As Malaysia continues to evolve and shape its identity, it is vital to recognize the central role civil servants play in translating political ideals into tangible outcomes.
The findings from the Ilham Centre's study underscore the need for the government and civil society to work collaboratively in addressing the concerns and perceptions that have led to the current divide.
By doing so, Malaysia can build a foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous, and harmonious future that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens.
But back at Mubeen Restaurant of Bukit Damansara, on the eve of Merdeka celebrations, there's still doubt about the degree of support PMX may be getting from the civil servants.
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