LETTERS: According to the Chief Secretary to the Government, Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, the Public Service faces three significant challenges, which are becoming increasingly complex and demand urgent improvements.
The first challenge is the entrenched mentality of working in silos, and the pervasive bureaucracy still present in some government agencies.
The second challenge is the use of outdated, inefficient, and non-competitive methods in service delivery.
The third challenge concerns the integrity of public servants, acknowledging that 'little Napoleons' still exist within government organisations.
These little Napoleons exhibit overbearing behaviour despite lacking the necessary qualifications or experience.
The Chief Secretary must be commended for highlighting the need to overcome these challenges.
But what has happened to previous attempts to address these issues? As early as 2006, the problem of little Napoleons in the civil service was raised by the previous Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The public has been making frequent complaints about the poor service from some government departments to the Public Complaints Bureau, to little effect.
It's time to revive the question of an Ombudsman who will receive and act on public complaints about the few recalcitrant civil servants and overpowering officers who give the public service a bad name.
It is vital for leaders at every level of government to foster a culture of collaboration and humility.
Silo mentality occurs when departments or teams within an organisation fail to communicate or collaborate effectively.
This can result in inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and ultimately a disservice to the public.
Breaking down these silos is essential for enhancing productivity and efficiency in government services.
The Chief Secretary's emphasis on integration and cooperation between various departments can lead to a more cohesive approach to governance.
Implementing cross-departmental projects and fostering inter-agency collaboration can help achieve this goal.
The commitment to serve with integrity is a cornerstone of effective governance.
Integrity builds public trust and ensures that service delivery is fair, transparent, and accountable.
Public officials should be held to high ethical standards, promoting a culture of responsibility and transparency.
Initiatives such as regular training on ethical conduct, clear avenues for reporting misconduct, and robust enforcement of integrity measures can strengthen this commitment.
Additionally, fostering an environment where whistleblowers feel safe and protected can further enhance accountability within the civil service.
Leaders should encourage open dialogue, provide constructive feedback, and recognise the contributions of all staff members.
This inclusive approach can lead to better outcomes for the nation.
Addressing the "little Napoleon" syndrome, combating silo mentality, and reaffirming a commitment to integrity are essential steps toward enhancing the quality of governance and public service.
By prioritising these areas, Malaysia can cultivate a more efficient, accountable, and responsive civil service that serves the needs of all its citizens.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
KUALA LUMPUR
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times