Ali Hamsa first Malaysian appointed as member of UN CEPA

Chief Secretary to the Malaysian Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa has been appointed as a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (UN CEPA) for 2018 to 2021 term.

The Prime Minister's Office, in a statement on Thursday, said Ali is the first Malaysian to be appointed by the august body as a member of UN CEPA since its inception.

It added that the appointment was confirmed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Wednesday.

"This appointment is an acknowlegement and recognition from the UN on the success of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's National Transformation Policy and the Government Transformation Programme, translated through an efficient and dynamic Malaysian public service," the statement said.

The UN CEPA was established by the ECOSOC and comprises 24 members who meet annually at the UN Headquarters, and the committee is responsible for supporting the work of ECOSOC concerning the promotion and development of public administration and governance among Member States.

The statement said the nominations of experts were made by the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSC) taking into account their knowledge and practical experience in public administration, extensive government and/or academic experience, and membership in relevant national, regional or international associations.

In his capacity as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia since June 2012, Ali has placed, as one of his top priorities, the improvement of Malaysia's civil service delivery to the public, and stakeholders by introducing the concept of humanising the public service.

"This appointment is a great honour and testament to the UNSG's confidence in his leadership in the Malaysian civil service and to bring UN CEPA to greater heights particularly in emphasising good governance among the Member States.

"With his vast knowledge, and experience in public administration, Dr Ali Hamsa will be able to enrich the work of the UN CEPA and further enhance Malaysia's contribution and commitment to the UN," the statement said.

At the international level, Ali is currently serving his second consecutive term as President of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Managament (CAPAM) for the term 2016 to 2018.

Regionally, Ali has hosted the inaugural ASEAN Heads of Civil Service Retreat during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2015, which saw the historic signing of the Putrajaya Joint Declaration on ASEAN Post-2015 towards the ASEAN Citizen-Centric Civil Service, and the convening of the First ASEAN Civil Service Games in November 2015.

The UN CEPA provides a platform for the exchange of information, ideas and experiences which can further promote and enhance understanding between UN Member States as well as contribute to further enhancement and improvement of the Malaysian civil service.-- BERNAMA