In Malaysia, the civil servant is expected to obey and be 'loyal' towards the government of the day. The will of the 'political master' is the command unto the civil servant. The political master set the policies and the civil servant implement them. But at the same time, civil servants by nature have to be neutral in implementing government's policies, without regards towards race, religion or even political preferences.
The problem exist when the policies of the political master are bias against their opponent and detractors. What becomes the civil servant? Stuck between political will and principal neutrality, how should a civil servant conduct him or herself?
It is my opinion that, neutrality is the pillar of our civil servants. The public pays their salary and also all of their offices and equipments. By right, a civil servant have to act in accordance to the needs and rights of the people. They should serve without fear or favor and also fairly and justly. To do otherwise, is to betray the trust of the people. Should the political will commands otherwise. The civil servant have a right to not obey such unjust commands.
Sunday 18 May 2008
Neutrality vs. Subservient
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1 comment:
I guess in the end of the day, they only see the 'direct' hand that feeds them. Like any other "service" oriented workers, they work for the BOSS, though they know the CUSTOMERS are the one who brings them the $. They don't realize that no customers means no boss (aka bankrupt).
We humans are funny that way, i guess.
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