14 Gov't Departments Miss Development Spending Targets, Chief Secretary to Summon Heads
In a significant disclosure highlighting administrative inefficiencies, the Government Chief Secretary, Tan Sri Mohd. Zuki Ali, has revealed that 14 f...
In a significant disclosure highlighting administrative inefficiencies, the Government Chief Secretary, Tan Sri Mohd. Zuki Ali, has revealed that 14 federal departments failed to meet their performance targets for development expenditure in the previous year. The announcement was made during his New Year address for 2026, where he emphasized the critical need for accountability and improved execution of public projects.
According to the Chief Secretary, the collective development spending completion rate for these departments stood at a mere 87.91%, falling notably short of the national average. This underperformance has raised concerns about the effective utilization of allocated funds and the timely delivery of essential services to the public. "I will be summoning the secretaries-general of these 14 departments for discussions," stated Mohd. Zuki Ali. "This will impact their assessments under the Civil Service Deduction Evaluation Performance System (DEEP), as we must address these shortcomings promptly."
The development projects in question encompass a range of public welfare initiatives, including road maintenance, construction of schools, clinics, and hospitals. While these projects are reportedly underway, progress has been sluggish, contributing to the subpar completion rates. "Some projects, particularly those related to public amenities like repairing roads or building educational and healthcare facilities, are moving forward but at a slower pace than required," explained the Chief Secretary. "This is why we are seeing completion rates hovering around 87%—it reflects delays that affect community benefits."
Mohd. Zuki Ali further underscored the financial implications of such inefficiencies, noting that unutilized allocations represent a loss to the government and, by extension, the taxpayers. "When funds are allocated but not spent as intended, it results in wastage and missed opportunities for development," he remarked. "We must ensure that every ringgit is effectively channeled toward its designated purpose to maximize public value."
The Chief Secretary's call to action is part of a broader effort to enhance governance and performance within the civil service. By invoking the DEEP system, which ties administrative evaluations to tangible outcomes, the government aims to foster a culture of responsibility and efficiency among department heads. This move aligns with ongoing reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes and accelerate project implementation across sectors.
Experts in public administration have welcomed this initiative, citing the importance of monitoring and accountability in achieving national development goals. "Transparent reporting and follow-up on spending performance are crucial for optimizing resource use and building public trust," commented Dr. Aminah Hassan, a policy analyst at the Institute of Strategic Studies. "The Chief Secretary's approach signals a commitment to addressing systemic issues that hinder progress."
Looking ahead, the summoned secretaries-general will be expected to provide detailed explanations for the delays and outline corrective measures to improve future performance. The outcomes of these discussions may influence budgetary decisions and strategic planning for upcoming fiscal periods, emphasizing the government's focus on results-driven governance.
In conclusion, the revelation by the Government Chief Secretary serves as a reminder of the challenges in public project management and the imperative for continuous improvement. As Malaysia advances toward its development aspirations, ensuring efficient expenditure and timely project delivery remains paramount to fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
