KUALA LUMPUR (July 9): As the nation adjusts to political disruption, government ministries and agencies must also be prepared for change, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.

Speaking at the inaugural Asean Disruptive Leadership Summit today, he said local institutions must be ready for changes that are happening in the technological and business spaces.

Referring to the registration of Grab in Singapore several years ago, Ali said this was a "lost opportunity for Malaysia" due to a lack of readiness by the Land Public Transport Commission and other authorities to embrace the then-startup.

"I think we should be more prepared this time around, especially licensing authorities," he said, adding that these institutions cannot remain behind the times.

"These efforts are made easier by having an open and inclusive government of the day that facilitates our provision of services to the rakyat better," Ali added.

He shared his view that disruptions have a domino effective, and as such, reforms for government ministries can be expected to follow the political disruption.

"Agencies, ministries (and) departments will see a lot of changes. They must get used to it," he said.