Coffee-breaks and golf are causing the civil service to ail and this 'sickness' should be treated before the condition worsens, a Barisan Nasional parliamentarian told the Dewan Rakyat today.

"From time to time, we see public servants playing golf or sitting at the coffee shops during office hours, and some (spending time) going up and down the elevators to buy snacks.

"Some other public servants arrive late to office and leave early in order to pick up their children from school," said Jimmy Donald (BN -Sri Aman).

Although this "nonchalant attitude" was displayed by a minority of civil servants, the MP said it created a bad image for the whole sector.

"What sanctions are there to prevent this sickness from spreading, and what steps are being taken to punish such people who indulge in such things?" he asked, adding that the problem was worse in rural areas.

No 'smile'

This prompted Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) to join the fray.

The opposition parliamentarian complained that some public offices opened late and service was extended with a grudge.

"Many public servants answer your questions as if they are displeased by your very presence. They don't even attempt to smile," he said.

Responding to the comments, which were addressed to the Prime Minister's Department, its parliamentary secretary Noh Omar said several measures were taken to ensure civil servants were responsible, efficient, and public-spirited.

He said there were written rules and procedures that serve as guidelines and principles for civil servants to do their work properly and to prevent actions that would have harmful effects.

"The government has also issued circulars and organised workshops to nurture a culture of excellence among public servants," he added.

Public complaints

Furthermore, Noh said improvements were always sought by addressing public complaints.

He added that directors and other senior officers were encouraged to set days where they could "meet the public" in order to solve their problems.

However, he admitted that it was difficult to ensure that these steps and procedures were being observed by the civil servants and asked the public for help.

"We encourage the public to bring forth their complaints about such refractions of the rules either to the Department of Public Services or the relevant complaints bureaus," he said.

Despite these shortcomings, Noh said the government was happy with the work and contributions made by these workers.

"It is by virtue of their work and contributions that this country has reached where we are right now," he told the House.