What is the consequence of ministers not trusting civil servants?

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Ministers who fail to trust civil servants risk their own political demise.

Ministers who cannot or will not depend on their officials are "doomed," as civil servants are the essential implementers of government policy. This lack of trust can lead to a demotivation of public workers, who are a substantial and enduring part of the nation's administrative structure. The country's civil service, a monolithic entity with roots dating back to the British colonial era, comprises 1.6 million paid employees who will remain long after the current political leadership.
Civil Servants as Policy Implementers

The fundamental role of civil servants is to implement policies formulated by ministers, not to formulate them. As advisor to the prime minister Tun Daim Zainuddin stated, ministers must recognise that they "cannot deliver by yourself" and must delegate effectively to the bureaucracy. This division of labour is critical for the functioning of government, with ministers setting the direction and civil servants executing the plans.
Impact of Distrust on Motivation

A lack of trust from ministers directly impacts the motivation and engagement of civil servants. When public workers perceive that they are being sidelined or that political appointees are overstepping their roles, it can lead to a sense of alienation. This can result in civil servants becoming disengaged, potentially "just sitting down" rather than proactively contributing to policy implementation, as Daim suggested.
The Enduring Nature of the Civil Service

The civil service is presented as a stable and permanent institution, existing independently of any particular government. Daim highlighted that this entity has been in place since the British era and will continue to operate long after the current ministers have left office. This underscores the importance of fostering a functional relationship, as ministers are reliant on this established structure to achieve their governmental objectives.
Political and Electoral Considerations

Beyond administrative efficiency, the civil service represents a significant bloc with electoral implications. With 1.6 million civil servants, Pakatan Harapan cannot afford to alienate this group, as they constitute a valuable source of votes. Maintaining a positive relationship is therefore not only a matter of effective governance but also a strategic necessity for political longevity.

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What is the consequence of ministers not trusting civil servants?

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