He said the reshuffle of civil servants was a common practice in the public sector and this was aimed at achieving operational efficiencies and improving government service delivery.

“We do not want them to remain too long and be comfortable in a certain position as they should be encouraged to share their experiences and expertise with other ministries to help enhance efficiency,” he told the media after the Putrajaya Car Free Day Programme here today.

Refuting claims that the reshuffle and reassignment were politically motivated, Ismail said the changes were made professionally.

“This is a good exercise as it indicates an inclusive direction and the expertise gained in the former ministry could be shared in another ministry,” he said.

Ismail said the major reshuffle would see changes in secretary-general and director-general positions which would come into effect tomorrow.

The administrative reshuffle will involve 12 ministries where seven secretaries-general will be transferred and five will be promoted to the position.

Home Ministry secretary-general Alwi Ibrahim will be transferred to the Works Ministry and he will be succeeded by Education secretary-general Mohd Abas Gazali.

Ismail brushed aside rumours that Alwi would continue to remain at the Home Ministry adding that the new posts had been decided and some of the secretaries-general were also due to retire in six months’ time.