The Government Transformation Programme in Malaysia: A Shining Example of Performance Management in the Public Sector?

This paper reviews the Government Transformation Programme—the most recent performance management reform in Malaysia. Drawing on the findings of in-depth interviews and review of available literature the paper argues that while it represents an improvement over earlier reforms and has already made a promising start, the GTP it is not without detractors and controversies. The paper highlights some of the strengths and accomplishments of the GTP as well as key pitfalls and prevailing concerns surrounding it. In its conclusion the paper identifies some of the factors that explain the early success of the programme and comments on major lessons and implications.