KUALA LUMPUR: More advertisements must be placed with Tamil radio stations and newspapers on the availability of jobs in the civil sector to increase awareness among the Indian community.
“Many Indians are not aware about the opportunities in the civil sector,” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri G. Palanivel told reporters yesterday after chairing a meeting on increasing opportunities for Indians in the civil sector.
He said more Indians would be interested to apply for these jobs if they knew about the vacancies.
“Publicity and advertisements must be increased and we want to do this through television, radio stations and newspapers,” he said.
He said a special team comprising MIC members, non-governmental organisations and retired civil servants would go around the country to meet Indian youths to talk to them about how and when to apply for the jobs.
Palanivel, who is also MIC president, said the team would also be visiting Tamil schools to speak to students.
He said the highest number of Indians in the civil sector were in the legal, teaching and medical sectors.
THE STAR ONLINE
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Civil servants told to rectify problems in state
JOHOR BARU: Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman delivered a stinging message during his annual gathering with Johor civil servants recently when he hit out at the Opposition not to use the civil service as a “punching bag”.
Ghani reminded the state’s more than 8,000-odd civil servants to buck up and improve on the delivery system as the Opposition was already going to town making all sorts of accusations against the civil service and Government in their talks and ceramah’s.
Among the points raised were on corruption, poor delivery system, leakages of public funds, discrimination against people in the state and also on bureaucracy.
The Mentri Besar also reminded the state’s 15 local councils to immediately address issues such as clogged drains and rubbish collection.
Ghani’s tone to the civil service did not come as a surprise as it showed that the Mentri Besar had a grasp of what was happening on the ground and needed all of this settled especially with the looming general election.
He wants to deliver most of the state’s 26 parliamentary seats to Barisan Nasional in the next elections.
Ghani knows that this is no easy feat given the fact that the Opposition is also trying to break Barisan’s “fixed deposit state” by making it their front line state in the next elections.
With the Opposition already moving some of their heavy-weights including PAS’ vice-president Salahuddin Ayub to Johor and regular visits by Opposition leaders including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to various parts of the state.
Ghani, who is also state Barisan chief, has taken all this in his stride as he too started working the ground early settling issues in all the 26 parliamentary areas.
He has already completed one-round to all the parliamentary areas in 2010 and since October last year, started another round with Gelang Patah as the first and moving on to Kulai. Both are described as black areas. He has covered most of the constituencies.
Ghani, who spends between three to four days in each parliament depending on its size, has a packed schedule everywhere he goes and does not travel light.
His entourage comprises top state officials including local politicians, the state secretary, local council presidents, district officers, state treasurer and other top officials from various departments namely land, public works, drainage and irrigation and the police.
An aide said that Ghani wants to know everything happening in the constituency and also gives the officials time-lines to help settle issues especially with regards to land titles or localised issues.
“His few days in each parliament area is packed with about six to 20 party meetings and also meeting the people sessions.
“Before the 2008 election, Ghani listened to briefings from elected representatives during his visits to the constituencies.
“Now he listens to the grassroots and sometimes the picture is not as rosy as painted by the politicians,” he said.
There have been times when grassroot leaders have openly hit out at their elected representatives claiming that the local politician is never seen in his constituency or not working.
After his morning and afternoon sessions, Ghani then met local representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from various races to find out and settle their problems in the evenings.
“Besides giving them direct allocations for their community work or even to repair damaged school roofs or community centres, Ghani also wants to make good all election promises in the past,” the aide said.
But to solve all these problems, Ghani needs the support of the Johor civil service who act as the implementers to get all the work done before the next general election.
Localised issues such as potholes, no proper street lights, parks not properly maintained, clogged drains, rubbish not collected on time are issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Agencies like Iskandar Regional Authority (IRDA) should be emulated when it comes to infrastructure projects such as roads and flyovers that are completed on time or earlier.
One delayed project which has irked thousands is the Senai Flyover project which has been delayed despite work going on for four years.
This has caused a lot of inconvenience for thousands of motorists commuting daily between Kulaijaya and Johor Baru.
Although some projects are supervised by the Public Works Department, the state government could look at imposing a special levy or penalty on projects which take too long to complete to ensure contractors do not drag their feet in completing projects.
With millions being pumped into the state for infrastructure development in Iskandar Malaysia, the civil servants need to be careful and thrifty in awarding contracts so as not to waste public funds.
Weaknesses and recommendations suggested by the annual Auditor-General’s report about the state’s administration and running of agencies also needs to be rectified to ensure that no party takes advantage this general election and blames the Johor civil servants that they are rendering poor service to Johoreans.
THE STAR ONLINE
Ghani reminded the state’s more than 8,000-odd civil servants to buck up and improve on the delivery system as the Opposition was already going to town making all sorts of accusations against the civil service and Government in their talks and ceramah’s.
Among the points raised were on corruption, poor delivery system, leakages of public funds, discrimination against people in the state and also on bureaucracy.
The Mentri Besar also reminded the state’s 15 local councils to immediately address issues such as clogged drains and rubbish collection.
Ghani’s tone to the civil service did not come as a surprise as it showed that the Mentri Besar had a grasp of what was happening on the ground and needed all of this settled especially with the looming general election.
He wants to deliver most of the state’s 26 parliamentary seats to Barisan Nasional in the next elections.
Ghani knows that this is no easy feat given the fact that the Opposition is also trying to break Barisan’s “fixed deposit state” by making it their front line state in the next elections.
With the Opposition already moving some of their heavy-weights including PAS’ vice-president Salahuddin Ayub to Johor and regular visits by Opposition leaders including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to various parts of the state.
Ghani, who is also state Barisan chief, has taken all this in his stride as he too started working the ground early settling issues in all the 26 parliamentary areas.
He has already completed one-round to all the parliamentary areas in 2010 and since October last year, started another round with Gelang Patah as the first and moving on to Kulai. Both are described as black areas. He has covered most of the constituencies.
Ghani, who spends between three to four days in each parliament depending on its size, has a packed schedule everywhere he goes and does not travel light.
His entourage comprises top state officials including local politicians, the state secretary, local council presidents, district officers, state treasurer and other top officials from various departments namely land, public works, drainage and irrigation and the police.
An aide said that Ghani wants to know everything happening in the constituency and also gives the officials time-lines to help settle issues especially with regards to land titles or localised issues.
“His few days in each parliament area is packed with about six to 20 party meetings and also meeting the people sessions.
“Before the 2008 election, Ghani listened to briefings from elected representatives during his visits to the constituencies.
“Now he listens to the grassroots and sometimes the picture is not as rosy as painted by the politicians,” he said.
There have been times when grassroot leaders have openly hit out at their elected representatives claiming that the local politician is never seen in his constituency or not working.
After his morning and afternoon sessions, Ghani then met local representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from various races to find out and settle their problems in the evenings.
“Besides giving them direct allocations for their community work or even to repair damaged school roofs or community centres, Ghani also wants to make good all election promises in the past,” the aide said.
But to solve all these problems, Ghani needs the support of the Johor civil service who act as the implementers to get all the work done before the next general election.
Localised issues such as potholes, no proper street lights, parks not properly maintained, clogged drains, rubbish not collected on time are issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Agencies like Iskandar Regional Authority (IRDA) should be emulated when it comes to infrastructure projects such as roads and flyovers that are completed on time or earlier.
One delayed project which has irked thousands is the Senai Flyover project which has been delayed despite work going on for four years.
This has caused a lot of inconvenience for thousands of motorists commuting daily between Kulaijaya and Johor Baru.
Although some projects are supervised by the Public Works Department, the state government could look at imposing a special levy or penalty on projects which take too long to complete to ensure contractors do not drag their feet in completing projects.
With millions being pumped into the state for infrastructure development in Iskandar Malaysia, the civil servants need to be careful and thrifty in awarding contracts so as not to waste public funds.
Weaknesses and recommendations suggested by the annual Auditor-General’s report about the state’s administration and running of agencies also needs to be rectified to ensure that no party takes advantage this general election and blames the Johor civil servants that they are rendering poor service to Johoreans.
THE STAR ONLINE
Live within your means, civil servants advised
MUAR: Civil servants have been advised not to keep up with the Jones’ and live beyond their means as this could eventually lead to greed.
Women, Family, Health and Community Development committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said greed could lead to corruption.
“Civil servants should have integrity, dedication and honour and must perform their duties well to serve the country,” she said recently.
Dr Robia said this at the closing of a course organised by the Malaysian Institute of Public Administration (Intan) attended by some 107 new diplomatic and administration officers.
She hoped these new officers would avoid peer pressure and said there was no shortcut in gaining material wellbeing except to work hard.
Dr Robia said officers should look at cases involving their counterparts who have been in service for many years but their future became bleak when they were involved in corruption.
“Don’t spoil your future with the negative influences as you have the potential to move up in your career line in years to come,” she said.
Dr Robia said they have the potential to be appointed as the heads of departments, director generals and diplomats serving Malaysia in foreign lands.
THE STAR ONLINE
Women, Family, Health and Community Development committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said greed could lead to corruption.
“Civil servants should have integrity, dedication and honour and must perform their duties well to serve the country,” she said recently.
Dr Robia said this at the closing of a course organised by the Malaysian Institute of Public Administration (Intan) attended by some 107 new diplomatic and administration officers.
She hoped these new officers would avoid peer pressure and said there was no shortcut in gaining material wellbeing except to work hard.
Dr Robia said officers should look at cases involving their counterparts who have been in service for many years but their future became bleak when they were involved in corruption.
“Don’t spoil your future with the negative influences as you have the potential to move up in your career line in years to come,” she said.
Dr Robia said they have the potential to be appointed as the heads of departments, director generals and diplomats serving Malaysia in foreign lands.
THE STAR ONLINE
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Top civil servants paid under scrapped scheme agree to return money
PUTRAJAYA: Top tier civil servants have received new monthly salaries, believed to be ranging between RM35,000 to RM60,000, under the scrapped Public Service New Remuneration Scheme (SBPA).
However, the 36 Premier Service Category employees have agreed to return the amount not due to them in line with the implementation of an improved Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM), said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
The SBPA had raised the ire of the 1.4 million-strong civil service as it would have benefited top government servants, leaving the rest with paltry salary hikes.
“As responsible civil servants, they have agreed to return (the money) as per what was announced by the Prime Minister on the SSM.
“More than half of them have returned the money, while some could not yet do it as they are overseas,” Mohd Sidek told reporters after speaking at the inaugural Chief Secretary Annual Lecture series at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
The SBPA was to be implemented from Jan 1 this year but was cancelled on Mar 8, after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that it would be replaced with the SSM following protests from civil service unions.
It was revealed that under the SBPA, the Chief Secretary would draw a salary of RM60,000 while those in the Premier Service category would get RM36,000 - a vast difference from those in the lower grades, some of whom would only get increments as low as RM1.70.
Instead of a vast pay jump suggested for top tier workers, the improved SSM is expected to give all civil servants salary increases of between 7% and 13%.
On Monday, Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said the commission set up to improve the SSM salary scheme is expected to start work next month once the Government decided on the composition of the board.
THE STAR ONLINE
However, the 36 Premier Service Category employees have agreed to return the amount not due to them in line with the implementation of an improved Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM), said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
The SBPA had raised the ire of the 1.4 million-strong civil service as it would have benefited top government servants, leaving the rest with paltry salary hikes.
“As responsible civil servants, they have agreed to return (the money) as per what was announced by the Prime Minister on the SSM.
“More than half of them have returned the money, while some could not yet do it as they are overseas,” Mohd Sidek told reporters after speaking at the inaugural Chief Secretary Annual Lecture series at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
The SBPA was to be implemented from Jan 1 this year but was cancelled on Mar 8, after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that it would be replaced with the SSM following protests from civil service unions.
It was revealed that under the SBPA, the Chief Secretary would draw a salary of RM60,000 while those in the Premier Service category would get RM36,000 - a vast difference from those in the lower grades, some of whom would only get increments as low as RM1.70.
Instead of a vast pay jump suggested for top tier workers, the improved SSM is expected to give all civil servants salary increases of between 7% and 13%.
On Monday, Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said the commission set up to improve the SSM salary scheme is expected to start work next month once the Government decided on the composition of the board.
THE STAR ONLINE
Friday, March 16, 2012
Too few Chinese interested in joining civil service, says SPA
SIBU: Chinese applicants account for only between 1.5% and 1.7% of all job applicants in the civil service every year.
The percentage is far from the percentage of Malay civil servants who account for about 80%, and even lags behind 2% for Indians.
In view of the situation, Civil Service Commission (SPA) has been working very hard to get the Chinese to apply for jobs available in the civil service in its bid to increase the number Chinese civil servants, according to the Secretary of Public Service Commission (SPA) Datuk Lamien Sawiyo.
“Our efforts have somwhat paid off and we can now see that there is an increase in the number. However, it is still disappointing to note that Chinese are still not so keen to take up jobs in the sector,” he said.
According to him, the situation is probably because of the less attractive remuneration offered by the civil service compared to what is available in the private sector.
“Job seekers among Chinese appear to opt for the private sector, judging by the statistics of past years.
“If they apply to join the civil service now, their chances of landing a job certainly looks higher,” he added.
According to him, Chinese applicants are inclined towards applying for jobs in departments such as Customs and Excise and the Health Department, whilst among the departments where the jobs least applied is the Road Transportation Department (JPJ).
THE STAR ONLINE
The percentage is far from the percentage of Malay civil servants who account for about 80%, and even lags behind 2% for Indians.
In view of the situation, Civil Service Commission (SPA) has been working very hard to get the Chinese to apply for jobs available in the civil service in its bid to increase the number Chinese civil servants, according to the Secretary of Public Service Commission (SPA) Datuk Lamien Sawiyo.
“Our efforts have somwhat paid off and we can now see that there is an increase in the number. However, it is still disappointing to note that Chinese are still not so keen to take up jobs in the sector,” he said.
According to him, the situation is probably because of the less attractive remuneration offered by the civil service compared to what is available in the private sector.
“Job seekers among Chinese appear to opt for the private sector, judging by the statistics of past years.
“If they apply to join the civil service now, their chances of landing a job certainly looks higher,” he added.
According to him, Chinese applicants are inclined towards applying for jobs in departments such as Customs and Excise and the Health Department, whilst among the departments where the jobs least applied is the Road Transportation Department (JPJ).
THE STAR ONLINE
Monday, March 12, 2012
Improved civil service now services leader
WITH reference to “Sidek: Little things can mean a lot to public” (The Star, Mar 9), it is really encouraging to see Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan stressing to new senior government officers the importance of serving their customers well.
This shows the level of seriousness of our country’s public services led by its exemplary chief to serve its customers – us, the rakyat – better.
It is indeed heartening to read a few readers’ positive reviews of good and commendable services rendered of late by a number of our public services.
I dare to say visits to public service departments nowadays are no longer a hassle or as scary as they used to be. Previously, my list of experiences included long hours of waiting, irritable or unfriendly counter services, incompetency and many visits to complete one transaction.
My recent visit to the National Registration Department was a breeze. The registration of my daughter’s birth was really a good experience. The environment was relaxing and a very competent staff completed the task briskly. I was out of the building quicker than expected.
As for the Immigration Department, I was really impressed that I could collect my passport within an hour. Previously, I would have to return another day to collect my new book. And the officer at the information counter was full of smiles during my enquiry.
At the Inland Revenue Board and the Public Service Department, I was also greeted by courteous and friendly staff. All my inquiries were met with great enthusiasm, swiftly and, most importantly, accurately.
I would like to congratulate all of them and also the leadership in arriving at this level. The challenge now is to keep improving.
However, while we are witnessing improvement in our public services, the private sector, in particular the services industry, is providing questionable levels of customer service.
I would say a decade or two ago, the services rendered by the private service industry were leaps and bounds ahead of the public sector’s.
Honestly, with the public sector raising the bar, I would have expected the services industry in the private sector to follow suit but, sadly, it is not the case. In fact, many of my recent experiences convinced me it has dropped a few notches.
I have had my fair share of bad experiences at fast food outlets. I loathe the long queues. I do understand business is brisk, especially during peak hours, but standing in queue is definitely no fun.
I have often wondered why none of our fast food operators have introduced the numbered system. At least customers can take a seat before their orders are taken.
Many in the services industry also lack knowledge and experience. I was at a restaurant and my food had not arrived after 45 minutes. I called the waitress to check and she explained that there was a mix-up in the kitchen.
The explanation should have come to me before I asked.
I also have my fair share of bad experience with the banks. The usual grouse is the long wait. Also, I have had poor encounters with counter staff who were inflexible and lacked courtesy.
Some cases just required common sense and basic principles of customer service to resolve.
Retailers’ services, too, are questionable.
Luckily, so far, my stays in hotels have been to expectations.
Chief executive officers and managing directors in the private sector can do well to pay more heed to customer service. Leadership and vision in this aspect should not be neglected. Reinforce customer service principles, intensify training, and apply key performances indices to the staff.
And to Tan Sri Sidek, my sincere thanks to you and your whole force in the Public Service Department. Keep it up and continue the improvements.
K.T. TEH,
Kuala Lumpur.
THE STAR ONLINE
This shows the level of seriousness of our country’s public services led by its exemplary chief to serve its customers – us, the rakyat – better.
It is indeed heartening to read a few readers’ positive reviews of good and commendable services rendered of late by a number of our public services.
I dare to say visits to public service departments nowadays are no longer a hassle or as scary as they used to be. Previously, my list of experiences included long hours of waiting, irritable or unfriendly counter services, incompetency and many visits to complete one transaction.
My recent visit to the National Registration Department was a breeze. The registration of my daughter’s birth was really a good experience. The environment was relaxing and a very competent staff completed the task briskly. I was out of the building quicker than expected.
As for the Immigration Department, I was really impressed that I could collect my passport within an hour. Previously, I would have to return another day to collect my new book. And the officer at the information counter was full of smiles during my enquiry.
At the Inland Revenue Board and the Public Service Department, I was also greeted by courteous and friendly staff. All my inquiries were met with great enthusiasm, swiftly and, most importantly, accurately.
I would like to congratulate all of them and also the leadership in arriving at this level. The challenge now is to keep improving.
However, while we are witnessing improvement in our public services, the private sector, in particular the services industry, is providing questionable levels of customer service.
I would say a decade or two ago, the services rendered by the private service industry were leaps and bounds ahead of the public sector’s.
Honestly, with the public sector raising the bar, I would have expected the services industry in the private sector to follow suit but, sadly, it is not the case. In fact, many of my recent experiences convinced me it has dropped a few notches.
I have had my fair share of bad experiences at fast food outlets. I loathe the long queues. I do understand business is brisk, especially during peak hours, but standing in queue is definitely no fun.
I have often wondered why none of our fast food operators have introduced the numbered system. At least customers can take a seat before their orders are taken.
Many in the services industry also lack knowledge and experience. I was at a restaurant and my food had not arrived after 45 minutes. I called the waitress to check and she explained that there was a mix-up in the kitchen.
The explanation should have come to me before I asked.
I also have my fair share of bad experience with the banks. The usual grouse is the long wait. Also, I have had poor encounters with counter staff who were inflexible and lacked courtesy.
Some cases just required common sense and basic principles of customer service to resolve.
Retailers’ services, too, are questionable.
Luckily, so far, my stays in hotels have been to expectations.
Chief executive officers and managing directors in the private sector can do well to pay more heed to customer service. Leadership and vision in this aspect should not be neglected. Reinforce customer service principles, intensify training, and apply key performances indices to the staff.
And to Tan Sri Sidek, my sincere thanks to you and your whole force in the Public Service Department. Keep it up and continue the improvements.
K.T. TEH,
Kuala Lumpur.
THE STAR ONLINE
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Civil servants deserve the pay rise
I REFER to “The best solution” (The Star, March 9). This 13% pay rise for civil servants is well received. Yes they deserve it. The Government has been very considerate.
I see the entire civil service benefits. I am glad, too, that the Government is able to do this, especially with the country’s good economic performance.
I hope our civil servants work harder to satisfy the needs of the rakyat. Complaints about their performance must be a thing of the past.
I know we have many good officers but we, have some black sheep too. They must be told off, and if they do not improve, be taken off the pay sheet.
We need a civil service that serves the public, not trouble them or send them on a merry go round!
That said, by and large, we have a civil service we can be proud of.
I, too, hope there is something for pensioners. I did not read anything to that effect when the pay rise was announced.
And I hope these good measures by the Government for civil servants aren’t derailed by unscrupulous traders/merchants who may, as they usually do, raise the prices of goods.
What good is a pay rise if it is the traders who gain from it?
We must avoid such situations. Enough is enough.
Apply the Anti-Profiteering Act on those who fleece the rakyat.
And besides working passionately for pay rises I hope our unions will aggressively work at reducing price increases and other malpractices in the market, too.
BULBIR SINGH,
Seremban.
THE STAR ONLINE
I see the entire civil service benefits. I am glad, too, that the Government is able to do this, especially with the country’s good economic performance.
I hope our civil servants work harder to satisfy the needs of the rakyat. Complaints about their performance must be a thing of the past.
I know we have many good officers but we, have some black sheep too. They must be told off, and if they do not improve, be taken off the pay sheet.
We need a civil service that serves the public, not trouble them or send them on a merry go round!
That said, by and large, we have a civil service we can be proud of.
I, too, hope there is something for pensioners. I did not read anything to that effect when the pay rise was announced.
And I hope these good measures by the Government for civil servants aren’t derailed by unscrupulous traders/merchants who may, as they usually do, raise the prices of goods.
What good is a pay rise if it is the traders who gain from it?
We must avoid such situations. Enough is enough.
Apply the Anti-Profiteering Act on those who fleece the rakyat.
And besides working passionately for pay rises I hope our unions will aggressively work at reducing price increases and other malpractices in the market, too.
BULBIR SINGH,
Seremban.
THE STAR ONLINE
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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