Rakyat Mempertahankan kesejahteraan negara

Memang pun semua orang tahu bahawa kerajaan perlu untuk mentadbir negara dari pelbagai segi. Pada amnya, Kerajaan boleh dikatakan terdiri daripada wakil-wakil rakyat yang menjawat jawatan dalam kabinet dan keduanya daripada sektor perkhidmatan awam.

Amanah Sektor Perkhidmatan awam

Perkara 132 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan mengariskan siapa kah yang tergolong didalam sektor perkhidmatan awam seperti berikut:

Bagi maksud Perlembagaan ini, perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan awam ialah—

(a) angkatan tentera;

(b) perkhidmatan kehakiman dan perundangan;

(c) perkhidmatan awam am Persekutuan;

(d) pasukan polis;

(e) (Dimansuhkan);

(f) perkhidmatan awam bersama yang disebut dalam Perkara 133;

(g) perkhidmatan awam setiap Negeri; dan

(h) perkhidmatan pendidikan.

Senarai diatas jelas merangkumi pelbagai aspek penting yang menyentuh kehidupan Rakyat serta kesejahteraan am Negara. Kumpulan ini lah yang lazimnya mentadbir negara secara hampir otomatis samada piliahan raya ada atau pun tidak. Maka, mereka di berikan kuasa dan pengaruh yang besar untuk menjalankan amanah bagi pihak Rakyat jelata.

Sebagai imbuhan atau balasan untuk menjalankan amanah mereka dengan seefisien dan sejujur mungkin, mereka di bayar serta di beri kemudahan-kemudahan dan keistimewaan yang tidak dinikmati oleh rakyat lain. Sebagai contoh, pekerjaaan mereka pada amnya tetap/stabil, gaji tiap2 bulan pun tetap/stabil, dapat pencen, dapat kemudahan luarbiasa untuk memperolehi pinjaman perumahan dan sebagai nya.  Semua ini di tanggung oleh Rakyat jelata sebagai "majikan" kepada mereka. 

Maka, tidak harian lah dan sebenarnya di alu alukan oleh Rakyat apabila SPRM di bawah pimpinan Pesuruhjaya SPRM Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad kini mengambil langkah berterusan untuk memastikan bahawa gejala rasuah di kalangan sektor awam di hapuskan.  Adalah menjadi harapan Rakyat bahawa usaha SPRM ini akan melahirkan sikap benci rasuah dan melihat rasuah sebagai kemungkaran yang menindas Rakyat jelata dikalangan anggota perkhidmatan awam. Rakyat yang bertangunggjawap dan cintakan kesejahteraan Negara wajib menyokong usaha SPRM ini melalui beberapa cara. 

Disamping menyokong usaha SPRM, Rakyat harus sentiasa perihatin bahawa menjadi tanggungjawap kita bersama untuk mempertahankan kewibawaan, integriti dan maruah institusi-insitusi negara seperti yang disenaraikan dalam Artikel 132(1) Perlembagaan Malaysia daripada di cemari oleh tindakan sebilangan kecil dalam institusi-insitusi tersebut mahupun oleh tindakan sesiapa yang lain. 

Eksekutif atau Wakil Wakil rakyat dalam Kabinet 

Kabinet memainkan peranan yang teramat penting didalam menentukan polisi negara serta memastikan bahawa wawasan atau polisi yang di tetapkan bersama dicapai dalam tempoh yang di tentukan. Disamping itu, kabinet juga berkuasa didalam mempengaruhi agihan harta dan sumber-sumber negara. Pendekata, sebagai manusia, mereka juga terdedah kepada bisikan syaitan untuk berlaku tidak adil, bersikap korupsi dan menindas.

Kumpulan ini juga perlu di awasi oleh Rakyat supaya tidak berlaku sebarang penyalahgunaan kuasa yang merugikan negara dan rakyat. Rakyat harus memastikan bahawa golongan ini juga tertakluk kepada undang-undang tertentu yang dapat mendorong mereka kepada tindakan-tindakan yang baik dan menjauhi bisikan syaitan. Peruntukkan didalam Perlembagaan Malaysia bahawa semua Rakyat adalah saksama dibawah undang-undang perlu di  manifestasikan. 

Rakyat perlu ingat bahawa terdapat banyak pemimpin politik yang memang ikhlas dan berusaha untuk berkhidmat kepada Rakyat. Namun, ada juga yang hanya menggunakan kedudukan untuk memperkayakan diri  dengan anggapan bahawa mereka tidak akan tertangkap dan rakyat tidak boleh buat apa-apa. 

Pemimpin politik yang korup harus tahu bahawa tidak ada had masa dalam mendakwa sesiapa untuk suatu perbuataan jenayah. Maksudnya, jangan lah mana-mana pemimpin politik korup menjangka bahawa selepas mereka bersara, undang-undang tidak boleh membawa mereka ke gelanggang keadilan walaupun berdekad dekad telah berlalu.

Rakyat sentiasa berawas dan mempertahankan kesejahteraan Negara.  Kalau kita sendiri tidak buat, orang lain tidak akan.

Salam ramadan.

Civil Servants Do Not Engage, Hence The Political Government gets into trouble?

The "government administration" which is made up of the civil servants, the various agencies such as Police, Bank Negara, Elections Commissions, etc, etc goes on automatic mode irregardless of who the "political government" is. For example, even if Pakatan Rakyat was to take over the country, the same civil service wil be serving the Nation.

I cannot but help notice that the Barisan Nasional political government is increasingly being put on the defensive by various events in the country. Some of this defensive position, in my view, is a choice that BN seems to make! There are many occasions where the BN government does no have to be defensive in my view. Anyway, I digress from the point I want to make in this article.

The point i want to make here is this: that the actions of the secure civil servants affects the image and the tenure of the insecure politicians in power. Let me explain.

Firstly, most of the Rakyat deal largely with civil servants and agencies and not with the political masters. The manner in which these civil servants deal and engage with the Rakyat is what really matters to the Rakyat. If these agencies exercise their powers unreasonably or do not address the Rakyat's complaints in a reasonable manner, the Rakyat gets very frustrated. If these agencies do not respond positively by having discussions with the Rakyat on specific complaints and refuse to interpret the law in a just and helpful manner, the Rakyat gets agitated. 

Frustrations and agitations lead to feelings of helplessness. Ultimate feelings of helplessness leads to collective actions against the agencies and often, these feelings are directed against the political masters. It is this fact that the political masters must understand clearly.

Hence, in my view, when the Rakyat has a legitamate complaint against a certain law or an agency, the ruling political masters must side with the Rakyat. They cannot adopt this automatic defensive position and be pro-agency because, the political masters are expected to side with the Rakyat. It is very plain and simple. This has got to be the new thinking among the politicians if they want to remain relevant at these times where the Rakyat is increasingly becoming aware of their rights. 

However, I find it almost ridiculous and self defeating that quite often, the political ruling class goes on the defensive whenever the actions or omissions of a government agency is challenged or brought into question. When this happens, the political opposition sides with the complaining Rakyat and projects itself as the champion of the oppressed Rakyat. It is almost as if the fact of continued incumbency has infected upon them the disease of defensiveness and ousted the attitude of embracing the Rakyat's complaint.  

In this regard, I have often mentioned to my friends in the ruling class that their "takut bayang2" attitude and the incapacity to embrace new political responses creates more problems for them even in situations where they are right.

It is about time that the ruling class pay serious attention to the exercise of discretion by the civil servants and the various agencies (including the state agencies, especially that which relates to religion). Whatever they do or do not do will impact on the support the ruling class gets.

The ruling political class must learn to stop being defensive. Get new advise on the new ways to respond. The whole world is changing, you should change too if you want to remain relevant.

Peace !

Datuk Seri Najib Questions motive behind Dr Asri’s arrest (“The DrMaza Fiasco”)

The StarOnline reports that the PM has questioned the motive behind Dr Mohd Asri’s arrest.  The PM reportedly said:

“Najib said that Dr Mohd Asri was a truthful speaker whose talks were always backed by proof and clear dalil (quaranic and Hadith verses).
“I don’t know what is the motive of the arrest. It was done by the state religious agency. It has nothing to do with the Federal Government,” he told reporters on Monday after launching a Pasar Tani convention”

While it is comforting to hear the PM assure the public that the “DrMaza Fiasco” has nothing to do with the Federal Government, it is disturbing to hear the entry of Jakim into this fiasco. Jakim is a Federal Institution and any act by Jakim will certainly be interpreted as having the tacit or direct approval of the federal Government.

It now appears that a Jakim officer has alleged that the undergraduate degree obtained by Dr Asri is false!!! This is a serious allegation and one wonders why this is now made in the heat of the “Dr Maza Fiasco”? Is something brewing behind the closed religious doors of Malaysia which the public in general and the Muslim public in particular do not know about?

If the Federal Government does not set the record straight by taking bold actions, the public perception will move in one direction.

Dr Asri’s unthinkable arrest is the tip of the iceberg and a trailer of a greater show to come.

What is more worrisome is the question – do our leaders know what is going on behind the very tightly closed doors of the powerful religious corridors? I have raised this matter many times over the past many years to many leaders (ministers, prime ministers and a deputy minister – will not mention names) but they seem to be in the blur and/or too “fearful” to interfere where the word “Islam” is uttered. Only last month, I have raised the need for Muslim political leaders to be aware of the trend “Islam” is taking in this country and the quiet but effective quest for control over the Malays by non-elected individuals with the religious tag. I will call this “hidden group” as “religious dominators”.

There appears to be a hidden movement to convert this country into a type “Islamic state” as dictated by the religious dominators. It is as if a conspiracy has been going on under the very noses of the public and the leaders. One day we may wake up in a country that we do not recognize – and this includes the Muslims! I am sincerely afraid that the current crop of leaders does not seem to understand the issues and the gravity of the movement. At the end, the sensible and peace loving people may suffer.

It is of concern to the Muslim populace of this country because the unthinkable conclusion is that the determination of “things Islamic” is completely in the hands of paid “religious civil servants”.  It is frightening that while in all areas we are clamoring for accountability and transparency, in matters concerning Islam (and I am a Muslim), those who are given the responsibility (and paid to do so) to “develop things Islamic” are going about it in a much unseen manner.

Are political leaders impotent when the people voice out their views on “matters Islamic”? I think people generally want to see the Government showing leadership, and under Najib, it appears to be showing some signs of leadership but in areas touching religion – what happened?

It is about time that we seriously, honestly and intellectually address the issue of where “Islam” is going in this country and “who” is dictating its form in the larger interests of those who want to practice Islam in peace and the Nation.

Dr Asri, I wish you strength in this test.

Peace!

YAB PM, What about the reforms in the CIVIL SERVICE?

YAB Dato’ Seri Najib’s new cabinet is expected to be lean and reflective of a working team. This we will be able to evaluate by next week. But what about the CIVIL SERVICE?

I have said this many times and it is my total pleasure to repeat – ANY LEADER WHO IGNORES THE EFFECT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ON THE RAKYAT IS BOUND TO BE IN TROUBLE.

Unchecked, corrupt, inefficient feudal lords in the civil service may get off undetected or worse no one dares to complain about them. But the backlash will be on the political government when election time comes around. Not only that, these uncivil servants will give the Government of the day a very bad name.

We have heard too much talk about the ineffectiveness of the delivery system from the Government leaders. When is someone going to walk the talk?

I have always sensed that the civil service does not know the “fear of losing” its job. Many who have been there for years, especially the ones almost at the top have a “kebal” mentality (not all).

I really hope to see the Najib administration tackle the various problems that the Rakyat faces when dealing with the uncivil service.

For starters:

a) do not automatically recommend for awards simply because the person reaches a Ketua Pengarah or KSU position. It gets into the head of some.

b) Be careful in promoting people to Ketua Pengarah or KSU position –you may end up promoting them to their level of inefficiency.

c) Do not play golf on the Rakyat’s time please!

d) Evaluate and reduce these so-called overseas “study” trips.

e) Can we have less of them attending so many “kursuses”, etc, etc on the Rakyat’s time?

f) Please be accessible to the common Rakyat – often times it is easier to meet the PM then to meet a KSU! Some Ketua Pengarahs are even more difficult!!!

g) There is too much duplication of responsibilities – examine and rectify.

h) Review the power of discretion given – I find that some of those who have the discretion do not understand that “discretion” does not mean “suka hati saya”. It must be founded on sound principles including, legal. [This is an area the civil service requires education and training]

i) Make it easy for the Rakyat to challenge/question the decisions of civil servants in cases where there is clear abuse of discretion. Going to the courts for judicial review is beyond most Rakyat.

j) Reduce the number of civil servants that want to follow leaders on overseas trips unless their presence is essential. Costly for the Rakyat.


k) Stop promoting persons to higher positions during the last tenure of their service just to increase their pensions - a whole period gets wasted for the Rakyat!

l) Synchronize decisions between the respective government leaders and the civil servants – often they sing different songs.

m) Give the Rakyat feedback on the “civil service complaint’s bureau” that apparently has been set up (yes?). When there is no feedback, the Rakyat thinks nothing is done.

PEACE !

BEYOND UMNO ASSEMBLY

By large, even though the UMNO Assembly is yet to be convened and some quarters are even speculating what may happen at the Assembly or prior to it, the results of the Assembly can to a certain extent to be predicted. Whatever the results of the election may be, a few things are patently clear:

1) Come 3rd Of April, Najib will be the new Prime Minister, God willing.

2) He will have to reshuffle the cabinet and possibly even reshuffle various other "segments of the Government".

3)He is not necessarily bound to appoint the victors of the UMNO assembly to the cabinet if they are not up to mark for national service.

4) He may very well appoint several "new and fresh" faces to the cabinet by appointing them as senators - for this he needs courage and tact.

5)He will have to get BN ready for the next general elections.

6)He needs to totally reform the working culture of the civil service by removing dead wood from the top down.

7) He must ensure that the BN MPs are more accessible to the Rakyat and stop behaving like feudal lords.

8) Return the mainstream media to its original function of dissemination of true information and not pathetic spin doctoring - appoint the right chiefs of media.

9)For heaven's sake, get good economic advisers.

PEACE !

MALAYSIAN ANTI CORRUPTION COMMISSION (MACC) IMAGE SMEARED?

MACC is one of the bodies that has emerged from Pak Lah's reform moves before he quits in March. Formerly, it was known as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACA). The MACC is meant to be independent, transparent, efficient and carry out their duties according to the rule of law.

The claim by the opposition leader in Parliament recently that an operation concerning corruption which was carried out by ACA has yet to see any development is indeed disturbing. The facts and validity of this claim must be investigated and made public. Otherwise, the public may perceive that the MACC is indeed ACA in new clothes. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said he would seek information on the claims. Read TheStar for the full report.

It is important that the image of MACC is intact for public confidence to be maintained in the body. Corruption must be weeded out but must be done in accordance with the law.

TIGHTER CONTROL OVER CIVIL SERVANTS?

I finally heard some good news in Putrajaya. Two government MPs told me that there are serious plans underway to tighten the control over the exercise of power by civil servants, especially the top ranking officials. Apparently, the executive now finally realises that abuses by the civil servants are giving the government of the day a bad name. I have been saying this and whispering this into their ears for years! I suppose, this whisper of mine was never heard without the arrival of March 2008.

I hope the plans that the relevant body is going to unveil and implement vis-a=vis curbing abuse of power by civil servants and improving the delivery system will also consider amending the general orders to enable expeditious termination of seriously delinquent civil servants. Contracts of top ranking civil servants should also be reviewed against the backdrop of their productivity before renewal. I can never understand why some of these contracts are renewed when they have only one year left and the official had already had a good ride on the tax payers money for years.

There has been so much talk about the delivery system and the little napoleons. The Rakyat is waiting to see some "walking the talk".

Public Caning for Seriously Delinquent Civil Servants (“sedics”)?

The country cannot function without the civil servants. Every citizen from the time she is born is tied to the civil service (birth certificate) to the time she dies (death certificate). Every single aspect and step of his life will also depend on the civil service – the delivery system, implementation of policies, mundane approvals for licences, certificate of fitness for buildings, passports, etc, etc.

In short, the civil service is for all practical purposes and intent, the GOVERNMENT. The civil service actually governs the administration of the country AND administers it.

The Rakyat has always acknowledged this very crucial role and contribution of the civil service. Due to this acknowledgement, the Rakyat has given many perks, allowances, benefits, etc to the civil service. The civil servants are even allowed to enjoy almost total job security which the majority of the working Rakyat do not. It is not easy to sack a civil servant for inefficiency as it is in the private sector.

The civil service is in the position of a trustee for the Rakyat. The Rakyat TRUSTS the civil service and the civil service system. The Rakyat believes that the various heads of department that go by the titles of “Pen. Pengarah”, “Timb. Pengarah”, “Ketua Pengarah”, “Pen. KSU”, “KSU”, etc, etc are all responsible people who can uphold the TRUST of the Rakyat and perform their tasks as well as they possibly can. Obviously, the Muslim ones are expected by the Muslim Rakyat to perform their duties ever mindful that Allah is watching their every step.

The Rakyat makes no distinction between the “PTDs” and the “PTAs”. TO them, all are civil servants and are TRUSTED to do their job.

Trust is the highest relationship one can form. The opposite of TRUST is betrayal. In relationships, I think betrayal is the worst crime, even worse than murder. When someone trusts you, he gives up a certain something in him. He has lowered his defence mechanism. He holds you in high esteem. Betrayal is sometimes described as “stabbing you in the back”. Only a hypocrite can betray you, never a righteous person. Allah says the worst people on earth are the hypocrites, not even the disbelievers.

Many societies in history mete out the death punishment for murder. If betrayal is worse than murder, what is the appropriate punishment?

There are many in the civil service who are worthy of our trust. Many who work hard and righteously. But it appears there are many too that are Seriously Delinquent Civil Servants or SEDICS for short who habitually and happily BETRAY the Rakyat’s trust. You have to judge the tree by the fruits it bears. And the fruits are all rotten.

In these past week, we read with sadness, frustrations, anger and sheer disbelief that what happened in Bukit Antarabangsa could happen after so many past incidences of a similar cause such as Highland Towers. This could only have happened because the Rakyat had trusted the system and the civil servants who are involved in this part of the administration. Due to the TRUST now being BETRAYED by the Sedics, many of the families that lived happily in the Ulu Klang area are now living with losses and total uncertainty while the Sedics have a “secure” home to go to and write reports apportioning blame to the rest of the world.

Was it unforeseeable - the problem of landslides in Malaysia? Just one example. On 1st November 2007, the then Works Minister, Datuk Samy Vellu, in his speech made the following statement:

“In a country like Malaysia where there are more than 7,200 slopes, including about 1,200 major ones, I therefore strongly believe that together, we must do all that we can, to prevent such incidents from recurring. Irrespective of whether potential landslides are merely disruptive or both tragic and disruptive to the public and businesses alike, we must always be on guard. A proper slope management is thus without doubt a critical necessity.”

He said it right. He was part of the cabinet. Were not any of the Tan Sri or Dato KSU listening and taking notes? Was there any follow up by anybody in the GOVERNMENT? What the F*** ( = “fish”, for the avoidance of doubt) was anyone in office doing? Lives and the welfare of ordinary Rakyat do not matter anymore? Helloooooooo……!!!

RAPERAs, Bukit Antarabangsa is just ONE example of the betrayal by the Sedics. Look. Wake up. Open your eyes. Many things that can be done right are not done right. Many things are abused and $$$$$$, money and money has simply blinded the Sedics to the potential sufferings of the Rakyat arising from their BETRAYAL. After many years of continual repetition of betrayals by the Sedics, I am totally convinced that the political masters absolutely lack the political will to plug the problem.

Excuse the language please, but it is one big shit system that simply must be flushed out! Too much excreta is nauseating even for the compromising. RAPERAS, think about this.

The Quran uses the word “fasikuun” to describe people who know what is right but insist on doing the wrong thing for selfish reasons. SO what do you do with fasikuuns in this sense? What do you do with current Sedics so that potential Sedics will then know that it is no longer profitable/worthwhile to be a Sedic?

Dataran Merdeka has a sentimental meaning for me. It seems to remind me of the merdeka that we achieved. So how about public caning for Sedics at Dataran Merdeka? Hopefully that can merdeka us from betrayals.

What do you think?

Peace !

RETHINKING GOVERNMENT POLICY

[Image taken from New South Wales Government website]

RAPERAs have you thought about how government policies actually come into being and how often they are reviewed? Of course some of the policies are discussed at the cabinet meetings but most of these policies do not originate from the cabinet members. Occasionally you may have the PM himself proposing a policy such as Look East or Islam Hadhari. It must come various other sources – mostly from Ministries and government agencies (translated: civil servants again). Cabinet discussions of these policies surely cannot be conducted at great length and depth due to obvious constraints. What may be discussed is the general policy, its general effects and matters generally related to implementation.

SO this begs the question: who actually crystallizes the policies and gives meaning to it in its daily implementation? It is not uncommon in this country for policies to be misunderstood and wrongly interpreted by the implementers (again, civil servants). We have seen before several “Islamic” policies of the government to be translated to mean that Muslims cannot greet non-muslims and such.

The process of crystallization of the policy is important, assuming we have already crossed the first hurdle of evaluating the need and usefulness of the policy itself. Some policies are not only outdated but burdensome to the Rakyat and costly. One example is some of the official forms that one has to fill up at some of the government departments. It is thus important that qualified people both in terms of knowledge, diligence and attitude are involved in the crystallization process.

Having had some experiences with many of them over the past years, with respect, I largely doubt their credentials. The problem is their attitude. The younger ones that I had the pleasure of knowing over the more recent years are a breath of fresh air. They have shed this dubious Malay culture of “tatasusila mesyuarat” in place of the Islamic value of critical debate, evaluation and passionate involvement in the responsibilities at hand. (The older puny napoleons must really take a quick exit, especially those whose main priority in meetings is to hear themselves being addressed as “Datuk”, “Tan Sri” or “Tuan haji”)

Government policies need to be reviewed periodically, especially those that affect the Rakyat on a daily basis. In this review process, old laws may need to be repealed and new laws put in place. Datuk Azmi Khalid, for example, when he was the Minister of “Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar”, made several very important observations and suggestions that relating to rivers, the Environmental Act and the roles of the PBT. Has there been follow-up by the new Minister or the relevant agencies?

This is another thing: - some Ministers actually do make good public suggestions but nobody follows it up. Now, we see Azmi Khalid again as PAC chairman making good suggestions again in the aftermath of the Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy. The more important issue is: who is going to follow it up? If there is none, then make someone responsible from today.

We need serious people to relook at many of the Government polices. We need serious people who will work to implement the policies well and in a way that will not unreasonably burden the Rakyat. This can be done if there is political will and if the politicians will start working for a change instead of making “syok sendiri” statements which insults the Rakyat’s intelligence.

Once again, I say this: we need radical leadership who are passionate about improving the country. It is not difficult really…start with removing deadwood and blockages and the standard of “average” will instantly rise!

What are your views on government policies?

Excesses and Others of the 1970s onwards - some thoughts

It is important for us to understand and maybe even revisit some of the events in our country post 1970 to mid-1990 in terms of the culture of excesses that we have allowed to grow.

Since the 1970s, our government (read: civil service) has grown and grown but noticeably there was not even a hint that government should be accountable. It was then mostly a notion that being government, it can do anything it wants. Hence as far as the delivery “system” was concerned, the rakyat was at its mercy. You are simply expected to be grateful for whatever service you receive. The quality or lack thereof of the civil service reflects on those responsible for the thinking and planning (if any) of the civil service. For more than 20 years, the civil service grew into a powerful, non accountable, bulky, corrupt and inefficient body that burdens the taxpaying rakyat. Sadly, no politician appear able or willing to stop the rot in the civil service – for fear of losing votes.

There was also the DEB which, I believe had good objectives. Unfortunately while a small minority gained, the majority did not. I believe much of the DEB’s measures were hijacked by greedy, selfish individuals for their gain at the expense of the target groups. I also believe that the DEB was used by irresponsible, cruel individuals to enrich themselves using the most dubious methods at the expense of the larger target group. Hence, the Ali Babas, the numerous “projek terbengkalai”, the failure of many companies and the terribly sick state of many GLCs.

At the outset, I must say that it is totally unfair and inaccurate to blame the whole Malay population as appears to be the unhealthy trend today. It is as a result of unholy alliances of individuals from various ethnic groups thinking only of themselves that have landed us in the state we are in today. This, Raperas must be clear of, for should we not be tired of being bondaged in cliché thinking after all these years???

The other factor of course is that we totally lack politicians with radical thinking abilities and determined persistence to get done what needs to be done. Everyone was thinking not only within the box but within a small corner of the box. Everyone developed a “tutup satu mata” value.

It is under such circumstances that the culture of excesses among the government began to flourish and became the norm. It became a socially acceptable Malaysian culture to “pay something ikhlas” to the civil servants to make them do the very job they are supposed to do. If something “ikhlas” is not given, the task may still be done but may be done many months later or completely shoddily. Sometimes, without the “ikhlas” element, your work may be doomed. When the Rakyat still does not understand the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law, puny napoleons make their own laws wrecking your lives.

The power of the “gomen” is not something you may want to complain because of fear that you may end up the victim. For short term and personal gains, the few corporate rakyat who were in cahoots with the corrupt civil servants actually sold off your children’s future. It must be gotten back.

To compound the problem, accountability is not a culture in our society which unashamedly pays lip service to Islam and eastern values and such moralistic diatribe. The systematic exclusion by the relevant authorities of any intelligent discussion of Islamic and Asian values only prevents the opening of the Rakyat’s eyes. The teachings of the Quran, however is very clear. Accountability and responsibility for personal actions are pivotal to one’s faith in Allah. One such verse is as follows:

“Therein (in hell) will they cry aloud (for assistance): "Our Lord! Bring us out: we shall work righteousness, not the (deeds) we used to do!" - "Did We not give you long enough life so that he that would should receive admonition? and (moreover) the warner came to you. So taste you (the fruits of your deeds): for the wrong-doers there is no helper." (35.037)

A believer (mukmin) or a submitter (muslim) will have no choice but to undertake steps that will truly create a norm of true accountability in society. The task is not easy but certainly it is not impossible. In any event, the only existing alternative is to allow the rot to continue until the entire of civilized society collapses.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A MEETING WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE LORDS?

Do you not get tired when you have to put on a plastic face of respect when you meet some people? Consider this hypothetical scenario:

Let us say you have to attend a meeting at the Ministry. There is the Chief secretary (KSU) chairing the meeting, next the ministry’s legal adviser, then you have a few high ranking officials sitting in as well, looking sleepy and clueless. (do you notice these high ranking officials have a certain similar voice and demeanor as if they all went to the same drama classes?)

The KSU starts off with his usual ‘bismillah” because all those present happen to be Muslims. I have always found it weird why this very same people do not mention “in the name of God” when non-Muslims are present. Is it because God is averse to non-Muslims? Also, it is equally weird that he does not say “in the name of God” for every single step he takes since he is so mindful of God! Maybe he does. And why must he say it aloud….concerned that God cannot hear him?

Maybe, it is all a show for the audience, …….. had he really taken all his decisions in the name of God, this very meeting would have been irrelevant! Unless he plainly suffers oxygen deficiency syndrome to his brains in which case you wonder why he is sitting where he is sitting. And the Rakyat would have saved some money too.

But I have always found this behavior fascinating. Malay politicians and civil servants love to rattle praises about God in public before they start off their verbal diarrhea or unwanted advice. Some of them are so long, your patience is tested. Kenapa tak baca puji-pujian awal-awal sebelum mula mesyuarat? It is almost a must-do-ritual. Even though the Quran that they are supposed to read says “call and praise your Lord in silence and humility”, they insist on doing it publicly and loudly. You really wonder why.

Being a Muslim, I take anyone who says "Bismillah" seriously. He better walk his talk for Allah detests hypocrites.

Back to the meeting room. You wonder whether they have read the 12 page report you have sent them some 2 months back. They are asking the very questions you have already written down so plainly even a primary school kid will understand. And Lord…..you have to keep referring to this man as Datuk and the way his subordinates call him “Datuk” really can empty your stomach though your mouth. You keep excusing yourself to the toilet.

While the “meeting” is going on, you wonder what the names of the officials are because none of them have been introduced to you. Mahathir’s name tag policy seems to be long gone. This is the message that they are the “Gomen” and need not come down to the Rakyat’s level by introducing themselves. Ethics and common sense need not necessarily follow those who utter God’s name.

Anyway, after going through the motion of what should have been a productive meeting, the meeting ends with a “Kita tunggu lah, keputusan mesyuarat ini”. In the meantime, he does not care in the slightest that many of your worker’s families are suffering. He has his family to go back to. And you wait and wait.

Many times I wonder what religion these people belong to. Surely people of God must be compassionate, caring, emphatic and diligent? They should be responsible and work for the salaries that the taxpayers pay them – otherwise it is theft.

I promise in name of Allah, God willing of course, with the strength and guidance which I hope He provides, these people will be brought to justice for taking God’s Way in vain. God’s Way, as I understand is, among other things, the way of Justice, fair play, honesty accountability and dedication to your work.

Retirement and resignation is no escape from culpability.

Since we lack radical political leadership and political will to reform the civil service, the burden must fall on the shoulders of Raperas.

Is your staff working in your interest - CivilServants?

You are paying their salary from your hard earned money. Apart from the salary they receive, they also receive plenty of perks, especially the ones in the higher rung ..who look very solemn and sober.

Are you watching them? DO you know what they do with their time? Are they implementing the government policies or using their arbitrariness to do what they think is right?

This is an issue - arbitrary decision making. How to have check and balance? Is it easy for you to meet the pengarah or the KSU? They are your staff!

What about the delivery system? Is it so difficult to get well paid, over-perked high ranking officials to be accountable to the public?

What about the way they go about doing thier work? DO they follow the law..or do they say: "Tak apalah, kalau tak puas, boleh rayu kemudian?" It is your time and not theirs isnt it?

Think! Do not just focus on the politicians while forgetting the real people who are so powerful in your life, they can ruin you or give you the run around.

KSU: Berapa Gaji? Apa Kerja?

Do you not get tired when you have to put on a plastic face of respect when you meet some people whom you wonder why God put them in your path?

Consider this hypothetical scenario:

Let us say you have to attend a meeting at the Ministry. There is the Chief secretary (KSU) chairing the meeting, next the ministry’s legal adviser, then you have a few high ranking officials sitting in as well, looking sleepy and clueless. (do you notice these high ranking officials have a certain similar voice and demeanor as if they all went to the same drama classes?)

The KSU starts off with his usual ‘bismillah thingy” because all those present happens to be Muslims. I have always found it weird why this very same people do not mention “in the name of God” when non-Muslims are present. Is it because God is averse to non-Muslims? Also, it is equally weird that he does not say “in the name of God” for every single step he takes since he is so mindful of God! Maybe he does. And why must he say it aloud….concerned that God cannot hear him? Maybe, it is all a show for the audience, …….. had he really taken all his decisions in the name of God, this very meeting would have been irrelevant! Unless he plainly suffers oxygen deficiency syndrome to his brains in which case you wonder why he is sitting where he is sitting. And the Rakyat would have saved some money too.

But I have always found this behavior fascinating. Malay politicians and civil servants love to rattle praises about God in public before they start off their verbal diarrhea or unwanted advice. Some of them are so long, your patience is tested. It is almost a must-do-ritual. Even though the Quran that they are supposed to read says “call and praise your Lord in silence and humility”, they insist on doing it publicly and loudly.

Back to the meeting room. You wonder whether they have read the 12 page report you have sent them some 2 months back. They are asking the very questions you have already written down so plainly even a primary school kid will understand. And Lord…..you have to keep referring to this man as Datuk and the way his subordinates call him “Datuk” really can empty your stomach through your mouth. You keep excusing yourself to the toilet.

While the “meeting” is going on, you wonder what the names of the officials are because none of them have been introduced to you. Mahathir’s name tag policy seems to be long gone. This is the message that they are the “Gomen” and need not come down to the Rakyat’s level by introducing themselves. Ethics and common sense need not necessarily follow those who utter God’s name.

Anyway, after going through the motion of what should have been a productive meeting, the meeting ends with a “Kita tunggu lah, keputusan mesyuarat ini”. In the meantime, he does not care in the slightest that many of your worker’s families are suffering. He has his family to go back to. And you wait and wait.

Many times I wonder what religion these people belong to. Surely people of God must be compassionate, caring, emphatic and diligent?

I promise in name of Allah, God willing of course, with the strength and guidance which I hope He provides, these people will be brought to justice for taking God’s Way in vain. God’s Way, as I understand is, among other things, the way of Justice, fair play, honesty and dedication to your work.

Retirement and resignation is no escape from culpability

BULKY CIVIL SERVICE?

THIS COMMENT IS WORTH THINKING ABOUT, FOLKS,

jahaberdeen,


every establishment may it be civil or private instill direction and leadership from top down.

if our level of prime ministers, ministers and director generals are already corrupt and inefficient, what hope is there for the citizen?

it again boils down to ethnic groups. you know when a chinese takes money illegally, they are definately not a function of ineffecientcy but truly corrupt.

but when a malay takes money, are they corrupt or inefficient or due to years of practising the corruption, to them it feels that it has become their birth right. and to them it does not seem wrong?

many many years ago in our boleh land, if you were to get pull over lets say for not putting on your sit belt by the police. there will be a long long negotiation between you and the policemen and you will be begging the policeman not to issue you with a summons. and they will be very reluctant to take any money if at all.

now if you get pull over by the policeman, they will give a menu of prices for payment;
1. not wearing sit belt 100
2. using handphone 50
3. illegal u turn 80
4. speeding 30 km zone 50
5. speeding 50 km zone 100
6. speeding on highway 150
7. breathing in the car 10?

you get the drift?

when the leadership is practising the same morals standard who are the people to look up to?

our abdullah always forms committees for anti rasuah, integrity, transparency, efficiency... all full of bull. at the end nobody is monitoring these functions and then he sets up new committees to overlook the existing committees??? what the fuck is going on, you ask yourself.

MRR2, talk and talk and talk. no headway. etc etc.

why will the civil service respect and adhere to any government policy when the leader is screwed up? and the man from cambridge or so it seems is no better. and that is suppose to be our political future in boleh land?

Bulan for puteras for PM and I will turn the country around, politically, economically and functionally.

You know the population in the US is some 250 million people, the population in malaysia is 25 million. the civil service size in the US is 700,000 and is considered high, in this country our civil size is 1,300,000 and we are still inefficient??? what the F?

these are symptoms of problems.
the question to ask to get to the real problem is:

1. does race play a part in efficiency?
2. is corruption prevailing due to the inefficiency or greed?
3. is corruption necessary due to income levels?

when you get the answer to the above, Mr Jabar, you can start eradicating the problems the real problems. hope this is helpful

Bulan of Puteras

Little Napoleons

While the country seems to be incessantly embroiled in politicking, could it be possible that some quarters are "looting" the country's wealth and resources legally?

Both the Barisan Nasional government and the Pakatan Rakyat government depend on the efficiency and dedication of the civil servants for the "smooth functioning of the government machinery". Those who have watched "Yes Minister", a British comedy will be well schooled in the powers of the civil service and that it is a power unto itself.

Practically, you "cannot" sack civil servants. They have security of employment. Their decisions are almost unchallengeable and the one who goes to court with a judicial review application to do so knows the costs - both the legal cost and "the other cost". In short, the civil servant can make any decision that affects your life, your business and you stand in line - sometimes forever - to rectify it, if it is wrong.

It is because of their power that they have been referred to as "Little Napoleons", even by our Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi.

Considering their power, it is a major surprise that no major reform of the civil service has ever been embarked for the past 50 years. Politicians seem almost afraid to touch this sector. Why? Even though it is the act or the omission of the civil service that impacts most of the Rakyat's lives.

Once again, the duty of reforming the civil service must fall on the shoulders of the Saviour Citizens or Raperas. Think about it.