PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia is taking a major step toward evidence-based policymaking as Universiti Utara Malaysia prepares to present its independent study evaluating nine flagship MADANI initiatives tomorrow.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the study’s purpose is to ensure government initiatives translate into measurable social outcomes, not just administrative targets.
“Each programme must be tested against data from the ground,” he said. “Through this evaluation, we can identify what works and what needs improvement, ensuring that resources truly reach the people.”
Under the Program MADANI Rakyat (PMR), continuous surveys conducted by DOSM and MPC collect public feedback on effectiveness, usefulness, and satisfaction. These responses form a performance index later discussed by the Cabinet.
Shamsul highlighted that this approach marks a cultural shift within Malaysia’s governance—moving from assumption-based decisions to policies guided by evidence and citizen perception.
He noted significant progress under the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA), especially through the RKB initiative, which has successfully saved over RM873 million by cutting bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Meanwhile, the MADANI Adopted School Programme continues to foster educational equity, reaching hundreds of schools with corporate involvement.
“Such reforms not only streamline government but also build confidence among investors and international observers,” he said, noting Malaysia’s jump to 23rd globally in competitiveness rankings.