Malaysian Public Research Articles

A Qualitative Investigation on Risk Management Implementation in the Malaysian Public Sector

"This study aimed to examine the implementation of risk management in the public sector and, subsequently, identify the components of risk management that best fit the public sector. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants from nine government agencies to determine the Malaysian government’s risk management and internal control processes. As a result, a new set of variables was identified for the public sector. These elements are the establishment of risk management in the government sector, the voluntary implementation of risk management, understanding risk management and internal control, the importance of risk management and internal control, the risk management process for the public sector, risk identification and investigation, understanding the risk management framework in the public sector, and the role of a consultant in risk management. This study contributed to the public sector by identifying potential aspects that may be crucial in ensuring the success of the early stages of risk management implementation. The outcomes of this study may benefit the public sector through an improved understanding of how to undertake risk management to ensure the success of risk management in Malaysia."

Investigating the Public Service Readiness of Electronic Records Application among Malaysian Public Sectors

Investigating the Public Service Readiness of Electronic Records Application among Malaysian Public Sectors

Key Determinants of Instagram Usage Among Malaysian Public University Students: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model

This research seeks to investigate the influencing factors affecting students’ intention of Instagram usage in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Drawn on the theoretical framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), social influence and self-efficacy were additionally incorporated to extend the TAM. A total of 373 online questionnaires were distributed to the targeted respondents. The PLS-SEM was applied for data analysis and the outcome shows that behavioral intention was positively anticipated by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence, while behavioral intention significantly impacts actual use. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of self-efficacy was found insignificant. The current study brings about empirical evidence in terms of the predictors anticipating students’ intention to use Instagram as an interactive platform by extending the TAM model. The outcome of the paper can serve as guidance for service providers in improving Instagram in the future.

Employment Trends of COVID-19 Graduates: The Case of a Malaysian Public University

Employment Trends of COVID-19 Graduates: The Case of a Malaysian Public University

Integrated Reporting Disclosure Level in Malaysian Public : Signalling and Institutional Theories Perspective

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the perceived influence of outcome-based budgeting implementation towards accountability in public sectors and the moderating role of governance. Methodology: The quantitative method was applied using simple random sampling techniques. Eighty-two usable questionnaires were collected from the prospective respondents of public sector departments/agencies in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia. The primary data analysis technique for this study is Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Findings: The research findings indicate a significant and positive influence of OBB implementation on accountability in public sectors. There is no significant direct influence of governance towards accountability. However, governance has a significant moderating role between the OBB implementation and accountability. Practical Implications: This study can become a platform for public sectors to continue implementing outcome-based budgeting as their budgetary system, even though they face some challenges in setting up the performance measure for each activity. This study also seeks to inform policy-making within the government, which will support the shaping of better-managed, more legitimate, trusted and accountable public service in Malaysia. Originality/Value: Few studies link new budgetary practices, outcome-based budgeting, with accountability and good governance. Given the lack of extensive literature on this topic, this is probably one of the first studies that provide evidence of the moderating role of governance in the relationship between OBB implementation and accountability, which is in line with the stakeholder theory. Keywords: Outcome-based budgeting, accountability, governance, public sector.

Evaluating the Understanding and Perceived Importance of Professional Scepticism among Accountants in the Malaysian Public Sector

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to examine professional scepticism among accountants in the public sector. Specifically, this study evaluates the understanding of professional scepticism among accountants in the public sector. It then evaluates the perceived importance of professional scepticism of accountants in the public sector. Methodology/Approach: This study utilised the qualitative approach via interview sessions with sixteen accountants in the public sector study. Findings: This study finds that the accountants in the public sector were not aware of the term ‘professional scepticism’ at first during the interview sessions. After explaining the concept of professional scepticism to the participants, they realise that they practise this skill when performing their tasks without realising that their practices represent professional scepticism.The accountants perceived professional scepticism as important and agreed that accountants must have high professional scepticism to ensure quality work performance. In addition, the accountants understand the importance of their role in practising high professional scepticism. However, their understanding and acceptance of their role in professional scepticism were more practical in nature without knowing the objective and the importance of professional scepticism. Research Limitations/Implications: This study's findings implied that awareness of professional scepticism needs to be highlighted to the accountants in the public sector. Practical Implications: The findings in this study implied that professional scepticism is a must-have skill that accountants should possess. Therefore, training programmes, such as professional scepticism techniques involving reasonable scepticism-related exercises, can be conducted for accountants in the public sector. Originality/Value: This study is the first that provides accountants’ understanding of professional scepticism in Malaysia's public sector. Keywords: Professional scepticism, accountants, understanding, perceived importance, public sector.

Role of Governance in Outcome-Based Budgeting Implementation Towards Accountability in the Malaysian Public Sector

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the perceived influence of outcome-based budgeting implementation towards accountability in public sectors and the moderating role of governance. Methodology: The quantitative method was applied using simple random sampling techniques. Eighty-two usable questionnaires were collected from the prospective respondents of public sector departments/agencies in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia. The primary data analysis technique for this study is Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Findings: The research findings indicate a significant and positive influence of OBB implementation on accountability in public sectors. There is no significant direct influence of governance towards accountability. However, governance has a significant moderating role between the OBB implementation and accountability. Practical Implications: This study can become a platform for public sectors to continue implementing outcome-based budgeting as their budgetary system, even though they face some challenges in setting up the performance measure for each activity. This study also seeks to inform policy-making within the government, which will support the shaping of better-managed, more legitimate, trusted and accountable public service in Malaysia. Originality/Value: Few studies link new budgetary practices, outcome-based budgeting, with accountability and good governance. Given the lack of extensive literature on this topic, this is probably one of the first studies that provide evidence of the moderating role of governance in the relationship between OBB implementation and accountability, which is in line with the stakeholder theory. Keywords: Outcome-based budgeting, accountability, governance, public sector.

History in the Malaysian Public Sphere

History in the Malaysian Public Sphere

Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme on Antimicrobial Utilisation, Cost and Bacterial Resistance in a Malaysian Public Tertiary Hospital

Antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) was introduced as one of the strategies to curb the rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) organism. The findings on the programme establishment are important in strengthening ASP measures. This study aimed to assess the impact of ASP implementation on the antimicrobial utilisation, antimicrobial cost and the MDR bacterial resistant rate before and after the programme initiation. A retrospective cohort study involving adult inpatient in a public tertiary hospital was conducted between pre-ASP implementation in year 2015 and post-ASP implementation from year 2016 to 2019. The statistical analysis of Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used depending on the data distribution. The mean defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000 patient days for ASP targeted antibiotics was significantly decreased by 17% from 161.52 DDD per 1,000 patient days in pre-ASP period to 134.49 DDD per 1,000 patient days in post-ASP period mainly from the usage of third generation cephalosporin, carbapenem and colistin. The annual expenditure for ASP targeted antibiotics had significant monetary reduction from RM30,580.50 in pre-ASP period to RM20,590.60 during post-ASP period. Significant reduction in the mean MDR bacterial resistant rate were notable for extended spectrum beta-lactamase E. coli (27.48%–17.85%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (22.25%–15.73%) and MDR Acinetobacter spp. (71.46%–49.34%). The implementation of ASP leads to significant reduction on the ASP targeted antibiotics utilisation, antimicrobial cost and MDR bacterial resistance rate. These outcomes are beneficial in justification and expansion of ASP activities in Malaysia.

The Motivational Factors and Employee Performance: An Empirical Study in Malaysian Public University

The Motivational Factors and Employee Performance: An Empirical Study in Malaysian Public University

Lean Management Implementation in Malaysian Public Sectors: Critical Success Factors and Performance Implications

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effects of lean management implementation on public sector performance along with the critical success factors of its implementation. The cross-sectional quantitative survey collected 131 responses from public organisations in Malaysia selected through a stratified random sampling procedure. Data were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach with SmartPLS 4 professional. Lean resources, lean culture, and lean knowledge management are critical success factors for implementing lean management in the Malaysian public sector. Subsequently, the holistic implementation of lean management will enhance their performance. This study provides a practical viewpoint for practitioners to understand and validate the potential benefits lean management can sustain if implemented with the critical success factors. As a result, practitioners and policymakers could use the insight from this study to tailor strategies for leveraging public sectors’ performance in Malaysia.

E-Waste Information Disclosure: A Study On Malaysian Public Listed Companies

In this era of globalisation, the demand for electrical and electronic devices has surged, and the media and research studies have highlighted the poor management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). The issue is more pronounced following the COVID-19 aftermath as companies are shifting to using these devices in operating their businesses which spurs the attention on managing e-waste. Likewise, this new norm shows continuous trends and seems to remain. As such, this research aims to investigate the Malaysian publicly listed companies’ commitment to e-waste management by examining the extent and quality of e-waste information disclosure. Using the annual report of 274 listed companies spanning from 2019 to 2021, this study employed content analysis to determine the extent and quality of e-waste information disclosure by examining the number of words and sentences and the 4-point quality scale measures accordingly. Additionally, this study explores the difference in the extent and quality of e-waste information disclosure between industries. In correspondence to the 14 industries examined, this study found that the highest number of words, sentences and quality of e-waste information disclosure was from the telecommunication and media industries, followed by the technology industry. Likewise, an independent t-test reveals that the telecommunication and media and technology industries showed significant differences from other industries’ efforts to provide adequate and quality e-waste information disclosure. The results reflect the law-abiding efforts among these industries on mandatory requirements of reporting e-waste management activities in the annual report. The findings of this study provide some insight into companies’ commitment to reporting and managing their e-waste, which increases transparency, accountability, legitimacy and enhances the environmental reporting model. It is expected that the results will be of immense benefit to various stakeholders in making green investment more transparent.

The Utilisation of Electronic Human Resources Management (e-HRM) in Malaysian Public Listed Companies

Human resource management (HRM) is expected to become more strategic as a result of the development of internet-based HRM technology, or e-HRM, according to the rhetoric associated with it. Using a survey dataset, data for the study were collected from 396 companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange for the years 2016–2020 using a survey designed to identify the e-HRM functions used by companies and which HR functions contribute to e-HRM usage within an organisation. It was found that most companies use e-HRM in at least one to two HRM functions, with the highest digitalisation use found in Payroll and Employee Benefits. These results indicate that HR professionals should work closely with digitalisation and human capital to better understand and subsequently implement technologies in order to fully embrace digital HRM technology.

A Review of Facilities Management Performance within Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) at Malaysia Public University

This paper aims to assess the facilities management (FM) practices and performance at Malaysian private finance initiatives (PFI) university campus. This paper critically analysed the current FM practices and performance of the FM company. The single case study approach is a research method used in this research to analyse a single case or phenomenon in depth. In this approach, a single unit of analysis, such as, a case study of PFI campus of a public university in Malaysia is studied in detail to gain a deep understanding of the case and its context. The findings of this paper revealed that the state of FM practices and performance is based on the Concessionaire Agreement (CA) within the appointed FM Company and the University. The extent of its implementation and understanding are significantly important to the university management. The FM Company performance increased towards the year and recorded high level performance with Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) average score within 9 years around 98.45%. However, the FM company received a total of 773 demerit points and incurred a deduction of maintenance charges amounting to RM319,153.23 suggesting that there were some areas of improvement can be made. This paper reached out to address the FM practices and performance under the Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) at Malaysia Public University after 9 years of its implementation. It gives a better understanding of PFI concept and FM practices in the country. The review also helps to identify practices and measures to the performance impact to the university operations.

Determinants of Dividend Policy: Evidence from Malaysian Public Listed Companies

Dividend policy has become one of the important issues in any corporation since it relates to investment and financing decisions that a firm makes. It is crucial for a firm to build a strong understanding of dividend policy as corporate dividend policy gives a huge impact on a firm’s decision in key areas such as capital budgeting, asset pricing, mergers and acquisitions, and capital structure. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that will determine dividend policy decisions made by public listed companies in Malaysia. Among the variables included in this study are leverage, liquidity, profitability, firm size and corporate tax. Quantitative research method was chosen for this study and eighty-three (83) public listed companies in Malaysia were selected as a sample size based on annual data during 2013-2017. Multiple regression analysis was used to test research hypotheses. Other tests including Diagnostic test, Normality test, Multicollinearity test, Autocorrelation test, and Pearson’s Correlation coefficient analysis were also conducted in this study. The findings revealed that leverage and liquidity which were measured by debt to equity ratio and current ratio, respectively, have insignificant impact on dividend policy which was measured by dividend payout ratio. This study also provide new insights into profitability, tax, and firm size which were measured by return on equity (ROE), corporate tax, and ln(total assets) have a significant positive relationship with dividend policy. Future research on the determinants influencing dividend policy may take governance structure types into account. This is owing to the fact that businesses operate in various governance systems with varying types and histories in various industries and nations, which may result in varying representations of dividend policy.

Skills Acquisition and Employability Among Arts and Social Sciences Interns in a Malaysian Public University

Many Malaysian employers feel that university curricula inadequately prepare graduates for the realities of the job market. The present study attempts to rank skills acquisition among interns at a Malaysian public university and identify the gaps through skills gap and radar analyses. Respondents comprised students from an Arts and Social Sciences faculty in a Malaysian public university who had undergone internship as well as the employers who conducted trainings for them. Using a simple random sampling method, 164 students and 43 employers provided responses. The largest gap between employers’ expectations and interns’ performance is seen for ‘values, attitudes and professionalism’. Employers tend to emphasise ‘values, attitudes and professionalism’ as an essential skill for employability. Positive qualities, such as having good work habits and attitudes, are valuable assets that need to be inculcated. Another skill that requires improvement is ‘communication, leadership and team skills’, as poor communication skills can become a serious obstacle for employability. This study provides insights from a dual perspective analysis through the identification of gaps between actual and expected intern performance. This information will be a valuable guideline in redesigning university modules to meet the demands of potential employers.

An Analysis of Sustainability Approaches of Malaysian Public Universities

The Sustainable Development Goals Report (2022) highlights the urgent need for concerted action on a global scale to put the world on track to sustainability. Universities are the primary social actor of civil society and are essential in facilitating the world to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study clarifies the sustainability approaches of Malaysian public universities. Analysis of the sustainability reports revealed several key insights. First, there was varying focus on the SDGs between the universities. Secondly, three similar themes of the sustainability approach were found, namely: (1) impart knowledge, (2) technology breakthrough, and (3) strategic alliance.

Social Support Influencing The Employee’s Resilience in Malaysian Public Sector

The employees resilient seemed changed after pandemic that affected social support at workplace due to Work from Home (WFH) being as a new remote working system for almost 2 years. In Malaysia, the government announced that the servant needs to work in office as usual early of 2022. The resilience among employees might be affected while keep changing the social support system. Thus, this study tries to reveal the extent of social support and the factors contribute among employees in Social Security Organization (SOCSO) in Kedah. The chosen of this agency regards to essential services due to social security affected the most wellbeing of employees due to COVID-19. The method of quantitative through survey used in this study and the findings shows that social, emotional, information and tool have positive relationship with the social support towards the employee’s resilience. In recommendations, there is a room for improvement especially in tool support and the facilities in digital technology to be fully utilised. In future research, perhaps the future researchers will have wider scope of respondents, methods, and area to gain more findings that can generalize to employee resilience among employee in Malaysia at large.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Creation among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia Public University

The field of entrepreneurship is increasingly playing a role as an economic catalyst and capability in efforts to increase innovation, creativity, and competitiveness in certain countries. The entrepreneurship program was created at the university and is constantly being developed to bring students closer to the world of entrepreneurship. One of the main goals is to enable students to think positively about starting a business without being dependent on a job related to their area of expertise. Hence, this research seeks to test the entrepreneurial mindset's impacts on business creation among undergraduate students at public universities in Malaysia. This study also tested the role of university entrepreneurship programs and social media in communicating the relationships between entrepreneurship and business creation. The study population consisted of 500 students from public universities in Malaysia. This study uses a quantitative methodological approach to self-administered online questionnaires to respondents. This study will have implications for developing entrepreneurship learning modules in public universities to emphasise the significance of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in post-graduation students for starting a business and relying on the existing themes to get a job.

Viability of Islamic Health Protection Retirement Plan (i-HPRP) Among Malaysian Public and Private Employees

Purpose ― The main objective of this research is to examine the viability of the proposed Islamic health protection retirement plan (i-HPRP) among public and private employees in terms of their perceived benefits, future commitment, and preferences. Design/Methodology/Approach ― Quantitative research design is chosen to achieve the purpose of the research. A total of 498 Malaysians located in different states were surveyed, and partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis was conducted for data analysis. Findings ― Results of the analysis indicate that most of the respondents believed that the suggested plan is viable in terms of the benefits it provides and in line with their future commitment. In addition, both public and private employees have high interest in the proposed plan that appears to suit their retirement plans and health protection needs during that period. Originality/Value ― This study structured an original illustrative retirement health protection plan to test its viability among public and private employees. Research Implications/Limitations ― Results of this research are significant in proving that the suggested model of i-HPRP is attractive and would have positive acceptance among Malaysians once offered in the takāful (Islamic insurance) market. It would motivate takāful operators to develop this model as currently there are limited annuity takāful products offered in the market.