IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

Since the start of the new millennium, Malaysia has launched a number of initiatives to transform public sector services delivery from the traditional to an electronic one. This is in line with developments across the globe to make work processes and operations in the public sector more efficient.

But based on some reports, Malaysia is showing a rather slow progress. According to the United Nations’ e-government readiness report for 2005, Malaysia was ranked No. 43 globally. In the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia lags Korea, Singapore, Japan and even the Philippines!

According to the United Nations’ e-government readiness report for 2005, Malaysia was ranked No. 43 globally. In the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia lags Korea, Singapore, Japan and even the Philippines! According to industry observers, there are a few factors that Malaysian Government agencies need to consider in terms of embracing effective e-Government implementation. These include strong leadership, sound strategy and clear vision.

Having said that, continuous e-Government progress requires serious planning. The focus on citizens and establishing a Web presence are only a start. The actual e-Government implementation involves a transformation, much more than simply adding a few Web sites for Government departments and agencies.

Achieving a true e-Government requires willingness to rethink and secure significant change in not just technology, but also the organisation, current processes and the working culture in the Government sector. Government agencies need to understand that the transformation from traditional Government to e-Government is an ongoing process. The transformation required will take time to achieve and continue to evolve over a period of time.

In a nutshell, e-Government is not just about services for citizens. It has to bring a transformation in the way the external customer interaction may be automated, followed subsequently by the automation of internal processes.

Perhaps by having a clearer idea of what e-government is all about, we can be more focused in our approach and successfully make the transformation into a knowledge economy.

Autor(en)/Author(s): Shyla Sangaran

Quelle/Source: New Straits Times, 29.01.2007