Cuepacs should aim for higher productivity
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said yesterday that Cuepacs should aim for higher productivity and not for an increase in the number of workers. He said everyone would have gone paperless by 2020 .
He however conceded there was an immediate shortage of staff in some sectors but the administrative sector is overstaffed. He said , “There should be a retraining programme to absorb the excess staff and they should be redeployed in areas where there is a shortage.”
Prior to this, Cuepacs president Omar Osman had commented that the current force of 1.3 million civil servants would not be enough by 2020. Omar’s statement was in response to remarks that Cuepacs’ proposal for up to 40 per cent salary hike for civil servants was justified if productivity could be improved.
The government is footing nearly RM1.7 billion a month in salaries and allowances for civil servants.
First and foremost, the civil service must have an image make-over. By and by, the majority of those in the civil service are dedicated , committed individuals but there are some who when they liaise with the public give the civil sector a poor image. This has led to a me and them mentality between the public and the civil service.
Heads of departments must heed Dr. Fong’s words and try to discard that bloated image, improve productivity and most of all motivate their staff by fairly judging their performances : rewarding those who excel and counseling through words and deeds those considered as dead wood in the service. Realistic targets should be set and adhered to. At the same time, leadership by example must be emphasized at all times.
At the same time, let us remember that for certain categories for employees, it is very difficult for them to survive especially in the big towns and cities. We owe it to them at least to lead a life of dignity and not over-depend on loans from cooperatives etc. etc. Many I suspect are scratching their heads this month wondering where to get the funds for their Christmas celebrations, school books, school fees and school uniforms for their children etc etc.
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