We don’t acquire wisdom and competence overnight. We all know that. Yet not everyone reaches the same level of competence and depth of wisdom to understand the complex network of human relationships as they go up the ladder of success in the public service. Datu Haji Abdul Rashid Bin Haji Aziz, now Director of Yayasan Sarawak and a former District Officer (DO) shares us meaningful insights towards a career in the public service as well as interesting stories of the past that have influenced both his career and attitude in life.

“I can work with people” says Datu Rashid. We believe him. His aura reflects a passion for hard work and learning life’s lessons through gentle persuasion, achieving goals by seeking cooperation among the people around him and earning respect as he exemplifies the qualities of a good administrator.

Datu Haji Rashid started off as a Sarawak Administrative Officer (SAO) in Kanowit. He became DO for Saratok in 1977 until 1980. “Those years were filled with challenges. Then and now, a District Officer requires certain skills not only in handling administrative matters but more importantly in dealing with constituents. A DO’s ability to click with the grassroots is one of the elements of staying effective and respected in the field”, he laments.

Then and Now, A DO Must Shine A former DO shares his stories “Our lives as we lead them are passed on to others, whether in physical or mental forms, tingeing all future lives together. This should be enough for one who lives for truth and service to his fellow passengers on the way”. (Luther Burbank)

“The welfare of the community was my top priority when I was a DO. Going to the grounds is a must, I talk to the people, try to know their problems and concerns” he says. But then, he cautions “Knowing their problems is not enough, you must come up with a solution and motivate the people to work together for a common purpose”. Though travelling then was only by river transport or by foot , it did not in any way deter him from fulfilling his duties.

Though three decades have passed, Datu Haji Rashid can vividly recall many interesting events and incidents that have strengthened his commitment in serving the people as well as giving him greater satisfaction in the job. “We managed to build a school dormitory through gotong royong. It gave me a certain kind of fulfillment knowing that together, we could build something tangible out of people’s cooperation and hard work without depending on government’s grant all the time.”

Another incident that he fondly remember was a field visit to the interiors of Sri Aman Division. “On my way to Lingga , it was high tide and our boat capsized. I thought that probably it was my end, knowing that crocodiles were just around. We had floated for about three hours before we were rescued.”

Datu Haji Rashid obviously survived the crocodiles of Batang Lupar as well as the challenges of the civil service as he rose up to various government posts. He was the Project Director of Integrated Agriculture Development Project (IADP) Samarahan in 1985; the Principal Assistant Secretary of State Planning Unit in 1990; the Secretary and Acting General Manager of Kuching Water Board in 1991, Deputy Director of State Establishment in 1993; Director of Human Resource in the Chief Minister’s Department from 1994-1997.

Development Trainings and Courses

Many of our civil servants attend courses and trainings every now and then but does it translate to performance excellence in the civil service? Datu Rashid observes that our civil servants have better accessibility to knowledge than before. More trainings and courses are being offered. “In the 60s and 70s, we did not have as much opportunities.We are now in a better position to explore the many avenues for self-development in various fields.”

Grateful for the Opportunities

Datu Rashid appreciates that the civil service has greatly contributed for what he is now. He believes that all these years, his hard work and dedication in his profession have not been in vain. He has been compensated with valuable opportunities. In 1995, the Sarawak State government sent him to Harvard University , USA for a two-month Senior Executive Fellows Programme, among others. He places great importance on the value of education and hard work to succeed in a career or in life in general.

“Life poses challenges, and sacrifices are to be met along the way but one has to go on. As DOs, we have to take care of the welfare of the people in our jurisdiction. They look up to us and they expect something from us. We must maintain that high level of respect bestowed on us by working hard and providing a good service to them all the time."

“The welfare of the community was my top priority when I was a DO” says Datu Haji Abdul Rashid