PUTRAJAYA: The public feels frustrated when standing in long queues at government departments, and this must be rectified, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While there have been some improvements in some government counter services, the Prime Minister stated that there are still some agencies where members of the public must wait for hours before being attended to.
Anwar described the situation as one of negligence and said this issue should be rectified as it could raise public anger towards the civil service.
However, he acknowledged that civil servants at large had acted responsibly and delivered the government’s aims and aspirations, adding that this could be seen when dealing with issues such as foreign workers and floods.
“But if one has to queue for hours, say, to get a licence approved, then there is ‘negligence’ in some parts. Things need to be improved.
“I always put myself in their (public’s) shoes. What if I have to queue for hours?” he said.
The Prime Minister stated that putting yourself in that situation would allow you to think of better ways to serve the people and avoid long lines.
“We need to give the people the best service possible because that is what we have been entrusted with.
“This is what Malaysia Madani is about: serving the people and freeing them from any forms of dehumanisation and degradation,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly yesterday.
Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof were also present.
The Prime Minister said that civil servants should strive for betterment and always have the perception that “there is room for improvement” in terms of service or performance.
Anwar said that during every meeting with civil servants, he would remind them that past wrongdoings must not be repeated and that the nation’s success also depends on them.
“For the country to excel, it is imperative that civil servants play their part. We must factor in the role of civil servants to determine the country’s progress,” he added.
The Prime Minister stated that he would not create a slogan solely to draw public attention to his administration.
“People today will not be convinced by slogans; they want to see results.
“That is what I intend to deliver, and with the help of the civil service, we can serve Malaysia and her people better,” he added.