Citing the ratio of the civil service community to the current population at 1:8, which could be regarded as quite high in the region, His Royal Highness said the civil service should formulate and carry out continuous assessments focusing on the quality of service and whether it has fulfilled people's demands. The image of the civil service is no less important and should be upheld with courtesy, morality, transparency and knowledge, said HRH in his sabda at the Civil Service Day yesterday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
"The civil service should comprehend that proficiency and best quality will be rendered a flaw if they were perceived as non-customer friendly or its members failed to uphold or observe the ethics and attitudes of courteousness with professionalism. In that context, the civil service should take positive steps towards raising its image as an efficient service that is constantly adaptive to the current developments and at the same time fulfills customers' needs.
"The assimilation of values that emphasises on the civil service community's duties and responsibilities as a ritual and solely seeking the blessing of Allah is regarded as a positive step towards the development of attitudes and solidarity," HRH said.
The Deputy Sultan also pointed out that the roles and functions of the civil service have changed along with the current development and needs. The civil service is no longer purely a service provider but also functions as a guide and facilitator to the development of the nation.
At the same time, the expectations or demands of the people for a good, high quality and transparent civil service should be regarded as a positive challenge, HRH added.
"This is even more so in today's communities who are better informed and knowledgeable. With that, the various policies, procedures, systems and processes undertaken by the civil service should be proactively adapted to current and future needs and requirements.
"The implementation of e-government exemplifies that the government of His Majesty is extremely serious about the renewal and improvement of processes in the civil service. At the very least, computerised systems and improvements of work processes should reduce the burdens of work that have been borne up till now.
"However, advanced infrastructure, technology systems and equipment will not ensure an absolute success if the civil service community fails to nurture a positive attitude and mindset.
"In this respect, the management should also provide opportunities for subordinates to share their views and suggestions for improvements in order to generate a productive and competitive workforce," said HRH.
HRH added that the annual gathering has succeeded in uniting members of the administration and civil service professionals who work together with mutual understanding in performing their responsibilities for the sole purpose of delivering excellence in services to the citizens and residents of this country.
Hence, the celebration of Civil Service Day acts as an appreciation and recognition of the contribution of the entire civil service in carrying out their respective duties and responsibilities with much devotion, dedication and efficiency.
HRH later presented prizes to the winners of the national Quality Control Circle (KKC) and certificates of retirement to 90 government officials.
The winner was Orchid Group from the Agriculture Department, which received the gold award, while the first runner-up was Mumtaz group from the Schools Department. The second runners-up prize went to both UPMV from the Agriculture Department and An-Nur from the Mosque Affairs Department.
HRH also viewed a mini exhibition. The Civil Service Day carries the theme "Unity towards Enhancing Excellence in Civil Service".
Autor: Azlan Othman
Quelle: Brunei Direct, 30.09.2005
