PUTRAJAYA, May 22 —The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) has agreed to prioritise local think tanks and consultants in advisory roles to the government, while accelerating digitalisation initiatives in public services, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

In a Facebook post today, he said the decision was reached during STAR’s fifth meeting this year, which he chaired this morning

He said the meeting focused on two key areas — the implementation of small-scale projects benefiting the public, including the maintenance of schools, public toilets and community facilities, as well as issues related to the cost of living and job opportunities.

“Amid global economic uncertainty, STAR is seeking solutions to strengthen the implementation of government strategies,” he said.

In a separate Facebook post, Shamsul Azri said he also met industry representatives and chambers of commerce through the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) after the STAR meeting.

He said discussions centred on streamlining tribunal mechanisms to resolve technical disputes in the construction industry, while reducing regulatory burdens to improve productivity and competitiveness.

“In efforts to drive the national economy, I believe the government and industry must continue working closely and strengthening one another,” he said. — Bernama

IPOH, May 16 — The government will continue to review and consider increasing allocations to the Ministry of Education (MOE) from time to time, including efforts to strengthen digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said budget allocations will be increased in line with the current needs of the national education sector.

“In my meeting with the Ministry of Finance earlier this week, we also discussed education, as we are now placing emphasis on digitalisation, AI, computing, STEM and so on.

“We have decided to review all requirements so that, in this year’s budget, we can further increase expenditure and approvals for the MOE,” he said when launching the national-level Teachers’ Day celebration here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

In addition, Anwar said the Madani Government has implemented various initiatives for teachers’ welfare, including maintenance and upgrading of teachers’ rooms in 3,500 schools.

“Teachers’ rooms have been upgraded and maintained to accommodate the growing number of teachers. We have carried out maintenance on 7,000 teachers’ rooms,” he said.

He said following the policy of admitting Year One pupils aged six starting from the 2027 school session, the government had approved the recruitment of an additional 3,150 teachers.

Anwar said more than 4,000 teacher quarters have been maintained, and a total of 8,700 quarters are expected to be maintained through additional government allocations.

Earlier, Fadhlina announced an additional RM100 million for the maintenance and upgrading of teachers’ rooms nationwide, as well as RM50 million for the maintenance of teacher quarters. — Bernama