CHIEF SECRETARY Ali Hamsa has done the right thing by setting up a committee to monitor the implementation of programmes and projects under Budget 2018.

The public welcomes the inclusion of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on this monitoring committee to combat corruption and leakages.

But there are still many questions which needs answering, such as: 

1.  Will this committee monitor the implementation of only the Budget 2018 Projects and Programmes? 

Should it not be a permanent committee for all budget projects and programmes  in the future?

2. Would this committee also monitor the physical maintenance of past projects? 

Many government offices, facilities and programmes have been relatively neglected. Maintenance in many government buildings are inefficient and even unsafe. 

Will this committee review and monitor the maintenance of government buildings?

3. Will previously approved policies and programmes be monitored to ensure delivery is done according to the original goals set for these policies and programmes? 

Or have they gone off the track and are still being funded without much scrutiny?  

The chief secretary and the civil service will gain more support if this issue is made known to the public.

4. While the implementation of budget projects can be monitored for effective and timely completion, what about the monitoring of the quality of the services these projects provide to the public?

Can the committee also monitor the quality of services and report back to the public?

5. The public has accepted poor quality services in some government  department and offices. The public often take poor government services for granted. 

Unlike in the business sector, the public cannot avoid doing business with inefficient departments as these departments have the monopoly to issue licenses, permits, tax concessions and exemptions etc. 
Passports are now provided so much faster but can it be said for many other government service and why not?

6. At this time when we are aiming to become a developed country by 2020, is it not timely to establish the post of ombudsman?

The chief secretary`s new implementation committee can go right ahead with its pioneering and laudable mission, to monitor implementation. 

But could the government appoint an ombudsman and approve staff for his office, to receive and independently advise the implementation committee and parliament on all public complaints? 

This move will serve the public interests, in a more balanced, efficient and empathetic manner and earn much more public  appreciation.

7.  Public expectations for less corruption and leakages and expenditure wastages will now rise considerably. 

We will hope for faster and more efficient services. 

The public desire for better quality government services will also be raised by the  realisation government has been generous in providing the civil service with more rewards for their loyal service to our beloved country.  – November 3, 2017.

* Ramon Navaratnam is chairman of Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies, and is a a former senior civil servant.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.