Monday, December 19, 2011

Work Ethics


Work ethics
Recently, there has been some dissatisfaction expressed by certain quarters about the exit policy included in the Public Service New Remuneration (SBPA).  They have expressed their reservation of the implementation of the policy. 


Firstly, I strongly concur with the exit policy that has been included in the SBPA. I think we should welcome the policy and it should not be withdrawn as urged by many quarters, especially by Cuepacs. 


For efficient and sound working of our public service, such a measure should be advocated. With the current extension of retirement to 60 years by the government recently, we are afraid that a sizeable number of civil servants will not be able to cope up with demands and needs of the civil service. As such, these civil servants will probably become dead wood. We cannot allow dead wood to be present in the civil service. If a civil servant is not able perform for three years consecutively, he or she should be prepared to leave the service and find employment elsewhere, as argued by the Public Service Commission. 


Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he or she may be, is under the obligation of engaging in his or her profession, for work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, is a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work. If all civil servants hold to this principle of ‘Work is Worship’, I believe no civil servant will be asked to leave the service.


Therefore, I urge all quarters to support the move of the Public Service Division to go ahead with this exit policy in the SBPA. After all, such a move is to make our public service more competent and productive.