I would like to address a concern in our public sector that is contributing to both unemployment and reduced productivity: the long-term practice of officials acting in vacant high-ranking positions without these roles being filled permanently. These acting roles, meant to be temporary, often stretch on for too long, with the same individuals handling multiple positions. This not only blocks job opportunities but also burdens the officials assuming the positions, impacting their ability to focus on their core responsibilities.
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 has stressed the importance of succession planning in the government sector, calling for key positions to be efficiently filled to maintain public service effectiveness and leadership continuity. Despite the call, the problem persists, contributing to the country’s unemployment challenge.
When one person juggles two major roles, it leads to divided attention and lower productivity. No matter how capable someone is, doing multiple jobs reduces their ability perform at their best. Filling these positions permanently would improve productivity and generate job opportunities for others in the workforce.
The current situation raises a number of questions: Why has this practice continued despite our unemployment issue? Who oversees the implementation of succession planning?
Someone ought to take responsibility to ensure that the issue is resolved. Otherwise, a future with more job opportunities and better productivity would remain a pipe dream.
Civil Observer
