Complaints against public service on a sharp rise

The Star

KUCHING: The number of complaints against the country’s public service is on a sharp rise, said Public Service director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam.

Based on Public Complaints Bureau figures, the number of public complaints had more than doubled in the past three years, he said.

“There were 2,707 complaints filed in 2005, and this increased to 3,397 in 2006 and 5,347 last year.

“For the first nine months of this year, 6,059 complaints have been recorded,” he said in a speech at the opening of the Public Service’s national Quality Control Circle (QCC) convention here on Tuesday.

His speech was read by his deputy Datuk Dr Ismail Alias.

Ismail said most complaints were related to abuse of power, corrupt practices, late or no action by officers, lack of enforcement and poor services.

The figures showed people’s increasing dissatisfaction with public services.

“The scenario paints a negative picture of the image and reputation of the public service,” he added.

Ismail said QCC teams could help address various issues raised by customers, adding that 28 QCC teams -- 14 each in the management and technical categories -- were taking part in the two-day convention.

In opening the event, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the civil service had to “interface with new models of modern government.”

This would ensure that businesses and citizens benefit from improved delivery of government services, he said.

Dr Chan said civil servants should be open-minded and always be prepared to learn new skills and knowledge.

“If we do not have an open mind and always think that we are the best, then we will not be able to improve ourselves,” he added