EVERY now and then, civil servants have been reminded to discharge their duties efficiently to ensure Government policies and development projects are implemented and expedited for everyone's benefit.
They have to understand and appreciate the policies and objectives so that they can be committed to their work. Nothing less than professionalism is expected of them from not just the authorities but the rakyat as well.
Their salaries are paid by the Government, from taxes collected from the people, and it is only fair that they provide the best service to the public. But if they are partisan and resort to championing causes of their own while still in public sector employment, this can affect their professionalism.
In the last few months in particular, leaders at both national and State levels have exhorted civil servants to remain neutral and not allow their views on politics to influence their actions.
Although the majority follow the General Orders and are loyal to the King, country and Government of the day, it is the few black sheep who tarnish the image of the 800,000-strong workforce in the public sector as well as that of the country. It tends to diminish the public's respect for the service.
If there are any grouses to voice and address, there are always dialogues to fall back on. It is through dialogues that national policies have been determined and tailored to suit the requirements of the day.
As long as criticisms are constructive, without any detriment to the country's harmony and stability, there is always a proper channel for such matters. If there is any proposal for change, there is always a time and place for ideas to be debated, considered and fine-tuned rationally. If disenchantment persists, there is the ballot box.
The basic tenet is that the Government is elected by the people and as such, has the mandate to formulate policies designed to bring peace and prosperity to the people. As Cuepacs president N. Siva Subramaniam was reported to have said early this month: "It is the civil servants' right to vote any party they want. But they must not bring politics into the classrooms and Government offices."
Indeed, the role of those directly involved in the national education system is to guide and educate future leaders and not to impose their political ideology on young, impressionable minds.
Public sector personnel have often been reminded that if they take part in politics without permission, they can be sacked or demoted. And Division One officers must resign if they want to take part in politics. The undivided loyalty of civil servants should be to the Government of the day. Integrity, loyalty and efficiency are qualities which all employees should have and likewise, employers have to reciprocate in looking after those on their payroll well.
On the whole, civil servants have much to be thankful for. Not a single one of them was retrenched during the recent financial crisis compared with some private sector employees who had to grapple with a higher cost of living like everybody else, lost their jobs or had their increment frozen.
Empathising with their plight, the Government
gave civil servants RM400 financial assistance
early this year despite the RM16 billion
deficit. A few months ago, they had another windfall in the form of a RM600
special payment. Public sector officers have to bear in mind that if the
implementation of any policy is impeded, it is the rakyat who will suffer
eventually.