MORE often than not, it's the negative news that people read about government agencies.
From my observation, many are just on a fault-finding mission and rarely does the positive news regarding the civil service get the limelight.
On June 10, 2024, I went to the Immigration Department in Kuala Lumpur to renew my passport. I queued up like the rest and thought it was going to be a long wait as I was close to the end of the queue.
Suddenly, I saw an immigration officer walking from the entrance of the passport section towards the end, and informed all senior citizens like me to go right in front.
Once we reached the special queue, another officer gave out numbers for all senior citizens and the disabled.
In short, when I arrived at 8am, I was given a number and as soon as the doors opened, I took my seat. Much to my surprise, my number was called within 10 minutes.
After submitting my application, I had to stand while waiting to be called for payment, as all the seats were occupied. A Malay lady saw me and at once told her daughter to offer me her seat.
It was a heartwarming gesture indeed for me. I was happy to note that there are still parents out there who inculcate good values in their children, like offering a seat to the elderly.
Again, I only had to wait for 15 minutes before my number was called to make the payment for my new passport.
After making the payment, the immigration officer told me to go to the next room to be called to collect my new passport. Slightly after 9am I was called to collect my passport.
From my observation at the Immigration Department, it was efficiency at its best displayed by all the staff, which is commendable.
The manner in which the Immigration Department functions will surely make the civil service proud.
The staff were courteous and offered a smile to all those who turned up to renew their passports.
The Immigration Department's efforts should be a benchmark for all government agencies.
Looking back, my experience at the department, from the service offered to senior citizens like me and being offered a seat by a young woman, made my day.
Yes, there are still good people everywhere who work with a sense of pride and dignity and who discharge their duties with impeccable efficiency.
BENEDICT LOPEZ
KUALA LUMPUR