‘Be open to change to transform civil service’
SERIAN: Transforming the organisational culture, mindset and attitudes of the public sector went hand-in-hand with openness to change.
Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development ( MLGDC), Datu Dr Penguang Manggil pointed this out at the Serian District Appreciation Night and Integrity and Innovation Night in the community hall on Saturday night.
Penguang said he hoped the council would use Integrity and Innovation Week as a platform to manage culture change, one of seven main categories outlined under the Sarawak Civil Service 10- 20 Action Plan to launch the transformation of the Sarawak civil service.
He observed that Malaysia had good governance though there was room for improvement.
Presently officers from his ministry were visiting district councils across the state to ensure they had enough manpower.
He said the government would invite individuals willing to serve society and active in social work, especially from the younger generation, to serve as councillors in the District Office when their numbers wre increased to 29 from 24.
He was referring to the proposed amendment for the Local Authority ( LA) Ordinance 1996 to be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly beginning next week.
The dinner marked the close of ‘ Integrity and Innovation Week’ from Nov 11 to 15 with performances and multimedia presentations by various departments in the council.
Throughout the week, staff participated in lectures and sessions on integrity conducted by the Serian District Police, MLGCD, Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC), Malaysia Productivity Corporation ( MPC) and Positive Impression.
Serian District Officer and Council chairman Sinde Muling said the event was one of many for the council to improve its administration, performance and ability to serve the public.
Later in the evening, Penguang launched the council’s Organisation Integrity Plan 20132015 book ( Buku Pelan Integriti Organisasi MDSerian 2013-2015) and council newsletter ‘ Serdic’ by bursting a large balloon containing the two items with a blowpipe. Serdic stands for Serian District and Serian Council.
He presented service excellence certificates to eight staff for outstanding performance in 2012.
Certificates of appreciation and souvenirs were presented to community leaders and lecturers from local government agencies taking part in the Integrity and Innovation Week, as well as to local bodies and organisations which supported the council in other ways.