KPI:M'SIAN GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ENSURE EFFECTIVENESS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government needs to
prioritise the effectiveness of a programme in implementing the key performance
index (KPI) system.

The president of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca)
N. Marimuthu said in that context if a programme was not successful in
meeting the KPI sought the government must find the source of the shortcomings.

"Find the source and strive to overcome it effectively so that mistakes will
not be repeated," he told Bernama here Thursday.

He said the KPI also involved qualitative and quantitative issues.

"We have to change the mindset of workers. It may be difficult to do but it
can be done. That is part of the psycho-social development that builds
personalities," he said.

Secretary-general of the Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM) Dr
Ma'amor Osman said implementation of the KPI system was a good step that was
very much practised in the corporate sector.

He proposed that each ministry be given a minimum benchmark for example in
replying to letters, resolving issues, time taken for payment and the like.

"We cannot compare an apple with an orange. When there is a minimum
benchmark they will differ from ministry to ministry," he said.

Dr Ma'amor said the people must also be told of the primary duties of
ministers, their deputies, secretaries-general and others to understand their
duties.

"Is a minister to determine policy or be responsible to Parliament only? The
people must know this and they must be able to comment on the KPI," he said.

He also suggested an allowance for those who succeeded in their duties which
had heavy burdens and responsibilities.

Chairman of a Malay non-governmental organisation, Barisan Bertindak
Perpaduan Melayu (Malay Action & Harmony Front), Osman Abu Bakar, said bringing
in the KPI system was a new method towards transparency and monitoring.

"Leaders must be in tune with the feelings of the people. There is no need
to give 'rebana ubi', 'gendang', 'kompang' (types of drums) and the like to meet
the people. No need for official functions to meet people. This way it would be
easier for the people to meet leaders and and for them to voice their problems,"
he said.

Osman said the government must also respect non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) irrespective of which community they represented and listen to and
consider the views of the various races.

-- BERNAMA