A pay rise must result in a better delivery system

NEWS of a pay rise for the 1.2 million civil servants in the country comes as no surprise as this has been in the air for quite some time.

I agree in principle that there should be a pay increase for government servants, particularly for the low-income earners considering the fact that it has been a long time since a pay rise was given to them.

A hike is also justified in view of the rising cost of living.

While we support a pay rise for civil servants, what is also of primary concern to the public is whether a pay increase will lead to a more efficient delivery system.

It cannot be denied that there is a lot of room for improvement.

I believe that any pay rise for our civil servants should result in enhancing the delivery system, improving the work culture and more productivity.

My suggestion to the civil servants is to walk the extra mile and strive towards achieving excellence in serving the nation, especially in ensuring a maintenance culture that is sorely lacking.

The time has come for all departments, agencies and public authorities to strive for zero complaints in an effort to upgrade efficiency and promote excellence in tandem with the wishes of the people.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
Kuala Lumpur.