All eyes on government sector Oscars

The Star

PETALING JAYA: Excitement is building up among finalists of the Public Sector Quality Awards (Aksa) 2007.

Various government departments, agencies and local councils are vying for 11 awards to be announced at the awards ceremony tomorrow.

Manpower Department director-general Datuk Ismail Rahim is elated to have his department make it into the final six of the Information and Communication Technology Quality Award.

The department was selected for the successful implementation of its Job Clearing System, which started four years ago as a portal for job seekers to register.

“The nomination is a recognition of our efforts and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will win. I feel we deserve it,” he said.

The focus of every department and agency will be the coveted Prime Minister’s Quality Award, which has six finalists.

The finalists include the International Islamic University Malaysia, and its rector Prof Datuk Dr Syed Arabi Idid said he was both surprised and honoured at being shortlisted.

“It is the first time we have been considered for the award and it is a great honour to us.

“We have always focused on providing quality education,'' he added.

Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Farizan Darus is also eagerly awaiting the awards night.

The council has been nominated for the Finance Management Quality Award and the Local Authorities Quality Award.

“It is a great feat for us (to be nominated for two awards). The council has been working hard in implementing innovative programmes and management systems in accounting and budgeting,'' he said.

Introduced in 1991, the Aksa awards is aimed at creating awareness on quality in the public sector and recognising government agencies that have good management and leadership skills.

The awards have now been divided into the Upper-Tier in recognition of any government agency excelling in managing the organisation, and the Lower-Tier for agencies that have shown excellence in specific areas.