HM lists shortfalls, tells dept heads to be proactive, not just work like robots
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam criticised the lack of initiative-taking and decision-making skills of senior government officials, saying some department heads only wait for instructions despite having the mandate to decide and take appropriate measures.
"Some of the heads of department work like robots without discretion, all of them only wait for instructions, if there are no instructions, then they will not do anything," His Majesty said in his 35-minute titah at the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) meeting yesterday.
Despite travel advisories from relevant authorities, His Majesty, said that some ministries were still sending their officers even though some of the staff had suggested against such travels as it not only jeopardises the safety of officers but also those around them, including colleagues and family members.
"However, replies from the heads of departments was that they had to go because the Prime Minister's Office did not issue any (precautionary advice on the matter)," said His Majesty.
His Majesty said he appreciated the efforts of those involved in the monarch's birthday celebrations, but was not pleased with the initiative of the government.
The ruler also questioned why lower-ranked officers had to travel alone to overseas assignments, while higher-ranked officials usually travelled in large groups with their staff.
"The objective of travelling in groups is to help each other out in times of need... so do lower ranking officials not require such help?" asked His Majesty.
"Is this a mature idea or decision by the head of department? I don't think so, without a doubt, this is a selfish idea that does not take into consideration of the staff's well-being," added the monarch.
"I do not see the rationale of only sending one officer... who will help him if he needs help? Who will discuss issues with him? Who will help to reduce his burden and what if he falls sick?" questioned His Majesty.
His Majesty said that it was even worse if a male and female officer were sent overseas on an assignment, as this could result in a broken family and even divorce.
The monarch also commented on the celebration plans proposed by the National Committee of His Majesty's 63rd birthday as costly and highly dependent on donations from the public, large companies in particular, which can be a heavy burden on the community.
"Frankly, I am not happy about my birthday becoming an occasion to attract mass donations," His Majesty told cabinet ministers and other senior government officials who were present.
His Majesty also spoke of the power of prayer in helping to ward off the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, since efforts by the relevant authorities have been ineffective, as shown with the increasing H1N1 cases.
The monarch requested the relevant authorities to start leading the population to pray, before commenting the lack of initiative to lead students to pray for protection from the virus.
The issue of food security was also brought up, where the monarch reminded that action to increase the Sultanate's food production was only taken after constant reminders and further questioned the reason it took so long for the relevant authorities to take action.
However, His Majesty noted efforts to increase Brunei's self sufficiency in food production to 20 per cent by 2010 and 60 per cent by 2015.
Poverty was also highlighted in His Majesty's titah, as zakat or tithe collections amounted to over $100 million.
The monarch asked if there was no longer poverty in the country; and, if poverty still exists in Brunei, how can there be an excess of so much funds?
"Poverty can also bring one to disaster, people commit crimes because of poverty, suicide because of poverty, change religion because of poverty. Owing money can also drive someone to do many things," added the ruler.
His Majesty also expressed concern over the decision not to make Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) a compulsory core subject such as Malay, English, Mathematics and Science. IRK is instead grouped with music and drama as a compulsory complement subject.
His Majesty said that Malay is a compulsory core subject because it was stated in the constitution as the official language.
"If this is the excuse, then what is IRK lacking? It is also official in the constitution. In my opinion, it is even more important because it is the religion of the people," said His Majesty. Participants of the meeting were reminded on the role of the NDMC, which not only involves receiving and studying reports, but also to look ahead and plan for what has not happened, but may happen to Brunei at any moment.
"Brunei seldom experiences big floods, but we just had one, the flood water reached levels that had never been reached before, Brunei never suffers from landslides, but recently we had one where many houses and buildings suffered damages and where a life was lost. All these require our caution and attention," His Majesty said, adding we should always be ready and not act only after a disaster strikes.
Via: The Brunei Times
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