Civil servants must have new ideas to improve work processes, regulations, delivery systems and production, while leaders must be wise in pioneering work potentials, specifically in digital technology as the basis for a major transformation in services.
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 said this in conjunction with the 30th Civil Service Day at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.
His Majesty also announced a new award in conjunction with the celebration, as well as Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam as the ‘Tokoh Jasawan Negara’ or the National Meritorious Figure.
His Majesty was pleased by the support of the Special Service Award Evaluation Committee for highlighting Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien as the Architect of Modern Brunei, highlighting an important event during the reign of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien – the promulgation of the 1959 Brunei Constitution which gave the Sultanate self-government.
“The legacy of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien’s leadership has shaped the country’s developments, which prosper to this day, especially in key areas such as religion, education, defence, public administration and the welfare of the people,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty added, “The resilience of the public sector in the country is based on the commitment and contribution of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, which have had a major impact on the country’s overall stability, prosperity and progress.”
The monarch also underscored that over the past three decades, various challenges have tested the resilience of the civil service.
His Majesty said, “Every civil servant must always be responsive to the changes of the times, while never forgetting to seek guidance from Allah the Almighty in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.”
Touching on service transformation, His Majesty has consented for the transition of a major part of the labour recruitment process from the Public Service Commission to ministries especially for Division 2 and below.
Aside from enhancing accountability, His Majesty said that it can also expedite the filling of vacancies by fully utilising the Public Service Recruitment System, or PSCR.
Part of the recruitment process for vacant positions in the public service, specifically for positions in Division 2 and below, will be undertaken by each ministry and department, while the rest to be managed by the Public Service Commission.
His Majesty also emphasised civil service integrity, which must resist collapse through strength.
The monarch said, “If the integrity is disintegrated, various negative matters would surely surface such as misappropriation for personal interest and corruption. An amendment to the general order has thus been implemented and will be enforced shortly.
“The amendment is made to align with the current requirements while continuing to emphasise the aspect of equality and transparency in all actions.”
His Majesty also highlighted the importance of ministries detailing their preparations to jointly support the Manpower Optimisation Plan spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE).
His Majesty also emphasised the need to improve the competency of every worker through skills training and equipping them with knowledge and core values. The monarch also extended gratitude to every civil servant, both those still in service and those who have retired, for their contributions to national development. – Rokiah Mahmud
