Civil servants ticked off over late CFs

The Star 13/10/2002

KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Secretary Tan Sri Samsudin Osman ticked off civil servants for the late issuing of Certificates of Fitness (CFs), saying their inefficiency had indirectly led to higher house prices. 

He said the issuing of CFs should be carried out smoothly as the Government had outlined the workflow for the relevant departments and agencies to follow.  

He said the public could not accept the reasons for the late issuance of CFs, and as such they would blame the delay on the Government’s inefficiency, although only a certain number of agencies were irresponsible. 

“Government agencies must realise that their performance reflects on the public’s perception of the Government’s efficiency. 

“The late issuance of CFs, for example, will undoubtedly push up expenses and this will be passed on to the consumers. 

“When this happens, the civil service is indirectly responsible for the increase in the prices of property and goods,” Samsudin said at the Civil Service Quality Awards 2002 presentation ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here. 

His speech was read out by Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Jamaluddin Ahmad Damanhuri. 

Samsudin said a survey by the Public Complaints Department on the services provided by agencies found that departments were expected to provide quick response, fast and fair service, firm and consistent enforcement and shorter waiting periods for their customers. 

“I believe many of the complaints are genuine,” he said. 

The Civil Service Quality Award, introduced in 1991, was divided into four categories, one of which was the newly-launched Finance Ministry Secretary-General Quality Award. 

The highest award, the Chief Secretary to the Government Quality Award, was won by the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet operations command headquarters in Lumut.