By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, April 8: The government should use the Covid-19 outbreak as an opportunity to revamp its civil service to improve service delivery as an effective service delivery system is an effective way to help the business community to reduce operating costs.
Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Dato Richard Wee opined that despite all the negativity brought about by Covid-19, Malaysians should try to make sure that something positive comes out of it.
“Since during this pandemic time human contact needs to be minimised, it would be good for the government ministries, departments and offices to improve efficiency in their service delivery systems.
“For example, the renewal of trade licences and certification processes. Can this be done online? If this can be done online, then it helps the private sector tremendously. Private companies do not have to send staff there to queue up for hours and this helps in cutting costs.
“This is an opportune time for the civil service to undergo a total revamp and review their delivery SOP (standard operating procedure),” Wee told DayakDaily.
Wee was asked to comment on ways for governments—both federal and Sarawak—to help the business community to exit the economic slowdown brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
He pointed out that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has the vision to bring Sarawak to new heights but whether the latter’s vision can be achieved depends much on the pace of the civil service.
“I really hope the entire machinery of the government can keep up with his (Abang Johari’s) pace and materialise his vision within the stipulated time frame,” said Wee.
On the role of the private sector in helping Sarawak to exit from the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic, Wee said the private sector needs to have a good understanding of government policies and work closely with the government.
“The private sector needs to be very innovative and not cling on to the old ways of doing things. For example, digitalisation of their businesses. This will be the trend of the world and every businessman who wants his business to continue and survive well, will have to digitalise his business.” — DayakDaily
