CIVIL SERVANTS URGED TO FIND WAYS TO RESOLVE ECONOMIS WOES

PUTRAJAYA, June 1 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin wants civil servants to focus on efforts to resolve economic issues
prevailing in the country so that Malaysia could get out of the economic
recession.

He said emphasis should be given to draw up a suitable time line, identify
priorities, make decisions and use the time available in the best manner because
'time is gold'.

"Attention should be given to working style, coordinate roles and
responsibilities, activate all programmes that had been drawn up, utilisation of
funds and allocation in a manner that is effective as desired by the national
leaders," he said at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department,
here Monday.

"It's important to determine our priorities. The prime minister has outlined
many things in all aspects including economic development, education, and social
development which had been stipulated in the development plan that we wish to
implement.

"All these are important to us but how they are to be implemented depends on
our wisdom and ability in understanding our roles and responsibilities,"
Muhyiddin said.

He also emphasised on the importance of making quick and accurate decisions
because the people were waiting to see the outcome of projects implemented by
the government.

"If we make a decision, regardless whether it is in their favour or
otherwise, they would at least know that the government had decided.

"If they are dissatisfied, they will appeal but if there is no decision at
all to the extent that it takes a very long time, the impact will be on the
government and our image," he said.

Muhyiddin also reminded that the slogan 'People First' from the concept
'1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now" by the prime minister was not mere
rhetoric, but what was being emphasised was that the government chosen by the
people should be able to carry out the responsibilities entrusted in the best
manner possible.

"What is stressed in the slogan 'People First' is the element of our
accountability in giving our best to carry out our task and responsibilities,"
he said.

Under the bleak economic situation due to the global recession, the
government must tackle the economy in the best manner possible so that the
people would not feel depressed, neglected or excluded from the efforts taken to
bring development to the country.

-- BERNAMA