Perception still an issue for civil service, says Chief Secretary
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — The efficiency of the civil service is still an issue of concern for Malaysians, Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa has admitted and has pledged a “transformation plan” to improve the public sector.
The newly-appointed Chief Secretary to the Government told government television station RTM1 in a interview that although the quality of the public sector had improved tremendously, there were improvements to be made still.
“It is getting better. A lot of it is a perception issue. A lot of government departments’ work is done immediately.
“But there is a possibility that some departments are a little late. There is the possibility that some are (still) unsatisfied with service delivery,” he said during the interview.
But the country’s top civil servant stressed that blame could not squarely be put on the shoulders of civil servants, saying that there were many factors to also consider.
“You must turun padang (go to the ground). I ask the heads of departments to turun padang and see what is going on.
“(Your visit) does not have to be a fiesta; just go as a normal officer to see what is happening,” said Ali (picture).
“I will turun padang. This is my promise,” he said to cheers from the audience, mostly comprising of civil servants.
When asked what could be done to improve the entry of more non-Bumiputeras into the civil service, Ali said:
“We need to encourage them to join the civil service. We should conduct dialogues with non-Bumiputera business groups.
“We need to give more information on the civil service. Perhaps their reservations are because the majority (of civil servants) are Bumiputeras...we need to lose that perception,” said Ali.
