| Danial Norjidi |
A CIVIL Service Framework (CSF) is needed to help achieve a dynamic and progressive civil service and facilitate economic growth for the country, while a positive mindset among government officers is also crucial.
This was stated by Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, while speaking as the guest of honour at the certification presentation ceremony of an executive development programme for government officers.
“Towards a civil service that is dynamic and progressive, a ‘Civil Service Framework’ or CSF, is required,” he said.
“In addition to increasing productivity and quality in leadership in public service, it is also to encourage the transformation and reform for the improvement of government services in line with the demands of development and current expectations.”
He highlighted that stakeholders always crave the existence of a pro-business environment.
“This CSF initiative is aimed at making an excellent civil service towards facilitating economic growth for the country’s well-being,” he explained. “This is in line with supporting the long-term desire of Brunei Vision to achieve a dynamic and resilient economy by 2035.”
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, during his speech. – DANIAL NORJIDI
In his speech, the deputy minister also referenced a titah by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in which the monarch touched on the importance of continuously striving to enhance performance and productivity.
“We also need to move as a team to achieve any goal that is targeted in the national interest,” said the deputy minister. “In the context of civil service, it surely means to be a civil service that is excellent, responsive and customer-oriented.”
This, he said, is fitting with the current challenging global and national economy. “Transformation and reform efforts for the improvement and increase in productivity in the public sector are greatly needed.
“The goal is to drive the development of the country towards economic diversification without having to rely solely on oil and gas,” he said. “The question that may arise is whether the officers and staff of the civil service in this country are able to shoulder this heavy task?”
“In my opinion, the answer is 100 per cent as long as we all possess a mindset that is always positive to achieve success.”
He highlighted that in addition to the skills and knowledge learnt in any course, without a doubt, one’s mindset is one of the key elements to becoming a competent and quality leader.
“One can be only knowledgeable, competent and excel in any field one participates in, but without a positive mindset or behaviour, it means nothing. We will fail to make any change in the workplace.
“By always looking forward and thinking in a positive manner, at whatever level one may be, you will be able to lead those around and under you.”
He highlighted that a positive mind is able to influence the behaviour and work of a person. It strives to improve the performance of a person and those around him, constantly innovating and committed to whatever task is given.
Changing to a positive mindset will produce a credible leader of integrity and quality who is capable of driving towards excellence in civil service, he said.
He noted that, in his experience as the Head of PENGGERAK, he has witnessed many positive changes that have been, are and will be implemented; particularly reforms related to the field of education and that are concerned with the Ease of Doing Business.
“Therefore, I hope that, through this executive programme and after about eight weeks of mental and physical challenges, it will be able to produce officers who are truly skilled, of quality and possess strong leadership skills and a positive mindset.”
Touching on the current economic situation, the deputy minister referenced the speech of Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, in which it was shared that there had been a 70 per cent decline in government earnings and a consequent drop in budgetary spending amid falling oil prices.
“In line with this, I urge all leaders in their respective organisations to play a role, be sensitive and proactive in reviewing and re-evaluating the systems, procedures and existing regulations towards improvements.
“As leaders, you must take the opportunity to dare to give suggestions and ideas to devise a reform in your respective organisations,” he said. “Do not be afraid or apprehensive about the rejection of ideas, because not wanting to change is a bad habit that is harmful to oneself but also detrimental to the organisation and country.
“Remember, each of us has a responsibility towards the country’s development,” he added.
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