Simple questions, but still no answers

Citizen Nades – By R. Nadeswaran

(THE SUN) – The questions were simple and straightforward. They could not have been put into simpler language, and unless you did not pass the Standard Six examinations, the answer would have been forthcoming weeks ago.

But call it indifference, arrogance, apathy, insensitivity or simply insubordination, it has resulted in the Selangor State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud maintaining his elegant silence over theft of land by the state, in which he is the top civil servant.

The questions which needed to be answered were:

What is meant by the term "road reserve"?

» Can anything be constructed on road reserve?

» Why then did the state permit construction of food stalls on road reserve?

» Isn’t such activity a breach of the laws of this country?

As said earlier, you don’t need a degree in rocket science to find the answers, and yet, it appears as if some research and investigations have to be carried out to provide them. By the way, do not discount the possibility of someone having outsourced the "finding of answers" to a third party, who would have collected a six-figure fee up front.

No, dear readers, the state secretary, despite being told by his superiors in the civil service to provide the answers which were raised in this column three weeks ago, has chosen to remain silent. Not that he does not know the rules set by the No. 1 civil servant – the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan – that all issues raised in the media be addressed immediately – pronto. Not that he is unaware of the words written in this column. As a matter of fact, a week ago, he was sent a reminder by the Secretary General of the Housing and Local Government Ministry Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail that he reply to the points I raised.

So, why is Ramli defying Ahmad Fuad and Mohd Sidek? Can it be viewed as insubordination? But common sense tells you that Ramli is in a spot and when you put on your thinking cap, a few scenarios arise:

Scenario One: Ramli is on leave or is overseas on some kursus or lawatan sambil belajar. That’s not a good excuse because his deputies should be able to respond.

Scenario Two: On reading theSun, Ramli finds himself in a spot. He has the answers, but putting them on paper would implicate him. Therefore, the best solution is: Keep quiet until the issue dies, because Malaysians have a short memory. After a few weeks, there’ll be another crisis which would be under scrutiny.

Scenario Three: Having previously admitted that the stalls had indeed been built on road reserve, Ramli cannot go back on his words. Knowing that nothing can be done on such land, he has no clue as to how he bowed to the demands of politicians and their cronies, who want to use all the land available for "income".

Scenario Four: (the most plausible): Having received the letter from Ahmad Fuad, Ramli runs to his political boss, the Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammad Khir Toyo for advice and solace. Ramli is told: "I am the boss. You report to me and not anyone else because I am the Number One in the state. You don’t have to bother about Mohd Sidek, Ahmad Fuad or anyone else. If they bother you again, let me know." So, the man who always signs off as "saya yang menurut perintah", merely carries out the order.

So, we come back to what Mohd Sidek has been proclaiming to the 1.2 million civil servants – make decisions according to your conscience. So, Ramli had made a decision according to the wishes (or demands) of the politicians and their cronies, and now his conscience is pricking him.

Instead of coming clean on this matter, Ramli is at a loss. That’s not my problem or your problem. That’s his.

But isn’t such an attitude contradictory to the one advocated by his civil service boss? Isn’t there a new work culture which is being embraced by the civil service? Isn’t there a renewed vigour in the manner the civil service deals with the public? Isn’t there supposed to be improvement in the delivery system?

While the Chief Secretary and Secretaries General of the various ministries are walking the extra mile to live up to the government’s and the people’s expectations of a first-class civil service, Little Napoleons are trying to become Big Emperors. Has anyone got the determination and the will to exterminate them before they spam and infect the system?

* Dear readers, thanks for your nominations for the Big Kandar Stick Award. The winner will be announced next Monday. In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all fellow Malaysians.

R. Nadeswaran believes that the civil service is changing for the better except for a few who continue to thwart efforts at creating a new work culture. Comments: [email protected]