2002: Realities, Hopes, Expectations and Resolutions

When the month of January comes as the first month of a new year, it often sets the tone for what is in store. It is the second year of the new millennium and it is also the second year of the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP) in respect of the country’s Five-Year Development Plan.

As with all new year conundrums, it is always a time to reminisce, reflect and look back at the past year (2001) and see how we have performed – at the country and national level, the economy, the State and at the personal level. As members of the Civil Service, we can ask how we have fared in the State Civil Service while we will no doubt be reckoning with realities – New Realities. Nonetheless, being a new year, it is also a time to express our hopes and expectations. And in an even more positive note, we may want to make resolutions.

Looking back at 2001, it was a year that had seen a world economic downturn where recovery was sluggish. Nobody, however, could have likely factored the September 11 (911) event in any of their economic forecast. And as it happened, it had only brought about greater uncertainty of events – especially the tone and direction of the global economy. Looking through the business journals, magazines and newspapers, what seemed to have clearly emerged is the preponderance, focus and reliance on short-term forecasts. Monthly and quarterly economic and business data were mostly sought after. Projected GDP growth, which has long been the most sought after economic indicators, has taken a ‘ back seat’. Interest rates, production figures, stock indexes were watched with intense interest. Regional wars and skirmishes tended to be dominant, while political stability were risk factors that dominate more than economic fundamentals. In short, views, perceptions and confidence level have changed. It is hoped that this is only a short-term aberration and that the technicality of business and the economy will come in to correct the situation.

Our own national economy performed well in 2001 and has continued to be the shining star in the ASEAN region. Our own State economy has also experienced robust and sustained growth – but we should not only count on our lucky stars. Our sustained performance has been due to the political stability of the country, the farsightedness and correct development and economic policies of our leaders. The year 2001 saw pump-priming of our economy ala the Keynesian pathway. In Sarawak, special mention must be made of the very commendable performance of the State Government through the R&DOs and all other agencies in helping to implement the Special Pre-emptive projects amounting to RM120 million during a two-month period (November and December 2001). With a physical and financial performance of about 99%, it clearly speaks well of the capability and capacity of agencies in project implementation and this augurs well for the future. Moreover, considerable implementation and managerial experiences must have been gained and accumulated for the coming years.

And what of the realities, hopes, expectations and resolutions for 2002? We have to be realists, pragmatists and optimists rather than soothsayers. First, we deal with the realities. For Sarawak and the State administration particularly, we will be dealing with the reality of focusing the administration and development of two (2) new Divisions – Mukah and Betong – which have been announced to take effect from 1 March 2002 and 26 March 2002, respectively. This would mean the realignment and readjustment of district and sub-district boundaries, the appointments of new Residents and officers, and the expected accelerated pace of development. Needless to say, the people in the two new Divisions will not only be happy, but must play their part to help develop the Divisions.

Second, we have to look at the challenging roles of the civil service when the New Year comes. While new appointments, transfers, retirements, re-engagements and the likes will take place, many others will still be manning and managing their previous forte. Moreover, civil servants who run the civil service, and who execute and implement the policies, programmes and projects of the Government would need to continue performing and undertaking the work as done in the past years, continue to work as a team of dedicated and loyal servants or officials, continue to deliver, serve and produce public goods, and continue to be the group of people in the country who can be trusted and depended upon to administer and manage our country. Bureaucratic red tapes will be a thing of the past, while efficiency, efficacy and economy of efforts will be in place.

For the State, our battle cry and objective is clear. We will need to achieve a 100% performance in project implementation in 2002. Thus, all Ministries, departments and agencies will put their maximum effort at all levels – at headquarters, divisional, district and sub-district levels to ensure that projects are implemented in time and with the least of problems. Let this be the year that we can achieve the perfect performance. Let a 100% performance be a target in our SKT (Sasaran Kerja Tahunan). Let us all work together as a team.

In the light of the call for governance in the public sector, let another battle cry and resolution be to focus on upholding values in the civil service. We need to ensure the highest level of integrity, trustworthiness, dedication, professionalism and discipline in the Civil Service. Let us communicate these ideals regularly at all levels.

There are, of course, many more subjects and topics which we can focus. For 2002, we shall direct our energy and focus, our hopes, expectations and resolutions on these two topics. While the year 2002 is a new year, nothing is really new as the workload and tasks at hand are mostly continuation of the past. What is new is the approach or approaches that we apply to resolve them.

Selamat Tahun Baru and thus we call for a safe year. And a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai Lantang Senang.