The chief secretary to the government Samsudin Osman's timely advice to civil servants to place 'service above self-interest' at the recent presentation of the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) Fellow Awards and diplomas in Bukit Kiara is most commendable.

In fact, Samsudin had also on several occasions in the recent past called on civil servants to give exemplary service to the public as their primary role is to serve and to serve well.

Unfortunately, the public continues to suffer from a poor perception and experience of the constipated service quality and inherent inconsistencies at various government departments from time to time throughout the country.

The government cannot be faulted as the leadership continues to allocate sizeable public funds towards ensuring that civil servants have:

  • Upgraded and comfortable working environments.

  • Better and better working tools and facilities for increased productivity.

  • Reasonable wages and timely reviews to ease their financial burdens brought about by the widespread profiteering practices in the marketplace.

  • State-of-art technology for them to fulfill their obligations to the public.

  • Opportunities for continuing their education in order that they may acquire new knowledge and capabilities in providing better quality services.

Unfortunately, it is a fact that the rate of improvement at various counters and departments is still far from satisfactory especially in comparison with the service quality and standards maintained within the private sector realm. Even productivity issues are comparatively lower at government counters.

The very fact that leaders have to keep reminding and cajoling civil servants to give their best is suffice to affirm the fact that they are still far off from the mark.

Retired civil servants will readily vouch that the comforts enjoyed by today's civil servants are a luxury compared to the days of old and leaky buildings, wooden chairs, ceiling fans, manual type writers, and loads and loads of paper work.

What is agonising is the fact that despite the hardship and trying working conditions of yesteryears, the service quality then was almost impeccable.

Perhaps, the time is right then to change the reference of 'civil' servants to 'public' servants. This could very well pave the way for a major mindset change amongst government servants.

Hopefully, this change in name will also ensure employees become mindful of the fact that in this fast changing times, they are accountable to the stringent standards and expectations of the public.

Hopefully, the chief secretary to the government could give some inspired thought to this idea.