Discussions for post-2020 plan should begin soon - Najib

Discussions and brainstorming sessions for post-2020 plan should begin soon so that efforts to achieve its objectives and vision can kick off in another one or two years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

He said the country could not afford to waste time and wait until 2020 to formulate its post-2020 vision.

"We must initiate the discussions to set the vision for post-2020 plan. The discourse should involve various groups, including intellectuals, NGOs and civil society.

"The discourse will take some time, but the brainstorming process on the structure and objectives of the post-2020 plan should begin in the next one or two years," he said at the Association of Administrative and Diplomatic Officers (PPTD) Annual Dinner 2015 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here last night.

Approximately 1,400 members of PPTD attended the dinner themed 'PPTD Empowering Synergy, Strengthening Collaboration'.

Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal and PPTD President, Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman.

Meanwhile, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would formulate a new scholarship model to develop talents in the public service.

He said the current scholarship model did not benefit the government because there were loopholes that enabled the holders to escape from serving in the public service.

"Right now, the government is sponsoring many students, but the nation does not get the chance to benefit from their talents and services.

"Those who doesn't want to join the public service will purposely fail themselves in the interview to escape serving the government. This is a great loss for the government after spending hundreds of thousands (of ringgit) for their scholarships," he said.

Meanwhile, Najib said PTD officers, who are the thinkers, planners and implementers in the civil service, should think about formulating the country's development strategy in facing the ever-challenging global environment.

He said among the challenges were the slow economic growth, low commodity prices, people's expectations in facing the rising cost of living and extremist threats from the so-called IS militant group and southern Philippines.

"All this while, we are comfortable (with our security), but now we must raise our level of sensitivity. Don't take matter of security for granted. The country needs to do its level best so that the people are safe from any threats," he added.