PM Stresses Importance Of Transparency In Govt Administration

PUTRAJAYA, May 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Thursday stressed on the importance of transparency in government administration as this aspect had been exploited and blown out of proportion by the opposition regardless of whether it was real or mere perception.

He said now, the opposition seemed to know how perception could overcome reality.

Chairing the first Cabinet meeting after the 13th general election in Putrajaya, Najib said he wanted members of the government's administration to respond faster and more assertively on any issue raised by the opposition.

The Prime Minister said he also stressed on the importance of ministers to be prepared to face more intense public scrutiny.

"It means the people have high expectations on our behaviour, whether ourselves personally or our family members. As such, we must be aware of what we are doing, how we carry ourselves and our way of life so that the people will not question anything involving our integrity as a member of the administration," he said.

Thursday morning, all members of the new Cabinet took their oaths of office, loyalty and secrecy before Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara in the capital.

The new Cabinet held its first meeting Thursday for about two hours moments after taking a group picture on the first floor of the Putra Perdana building in Putrajaya at 3.15pm.

Referring to members of the new Cabinet, Najib said he saw their enthusiasm and readiness to shoulder their responsibilities as a team.

"God willing, we will do our best to fulfill all the pledges we made to the people," he said.

The Prime Minister said in Thursday's meeting, he also stressed on the importance of trust and confidence the people gave to the government.

He emphasised that whatever that was raised by Cabinet members, was not in the name of the individual but something that represented the government and it was their common stand.

"Whatever do we, it must be in the name of the government, we do not move in compartments or our respective silos. I want make it clear that we are a strong and well-coordinated team both locally and abroad, whether we are talking to the local or international media," he said.

He said each member of the Cabinet must add value their services by not protecting one's own ministry or area.

"In fact we must be willing to do more than that including participating in forums with the people, face-to-face or through social or traditional media," he added.