Message Of The Director-General Of The Water Supply Department
Assalamulaikum w.b.t.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Praise be to the Almighty, Creator of the Universe, for all that He has bestowed upon us. I seek His blessings and consent to grant us His favour and good fortune.
Let us take this opportunity to pray to the Almighty so that we may always be full of wisdom and commitment as well as have the physical, mental and moral strength to enable us to fulfil our responsibilities and duties well.
At the same time, we are fully occupied implementing our core business programmes. I appeal to all departmental personnel to give their cooperation to realise all the programmes that have been planned. It is my hope that all staff members will continue to display excellent performance as in the past.
I greatly appreciate this opportunity to say a few words in this website. I wish to clarify to all personnel of this department specifically, and surfers generally, the role of the staff. It is hoped that this will become a guide for the success of all the programmes that have been planned and will also ensure that the role of the department remains relevant in the ever-expanding water supply sector.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The changing times have significantly changed our roles. The restructuring of the water industry fully enforced since 1/1/2008 has resulted in tremendous changes with the responsibility of regulating water supply being wholly taken over by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). Meanwhile, the establishment of the Water Asset Management Company (PAAB) has also resulted in positive developments of the management of national water supply assets in a more organised and systematic manner. I am confident the establishment of SPAN and PAAB will elevate the services of the national water industry to a more viable level and continuously meet consumer requirements.
Previously, many of the tasks we have undertaken over a length of time were regarded as not challenging enough and were affected by the different demands of the existing environment. We must accept the reality surrounding us, whether it supports us or otherwise, as an individual or as a department.
As we are aware, there is no end to our pursuit for excellence. As such, unlimited opportunities are always available for us to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of our services.
I wish to take this opportunity to outline several concerns which in my opinion need attention and focus to face the forthcoming challenges.
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First: Executing Core Business Effectively
We all need to endeavour to ensure the success of our core business by enhancing our capability to implement all the programmes that have been planned. I wish to propose that all planning must be made with specific targets and deadlines based on identified targets. These deadlines must be set based on latest dates and not unspecified ‘as soon as possible’ dates. We need to become familiar with deadlines and timelines in carrying out any task. We must become familiar with performing and delivering under pressure in the shortest time possible as this will enable us to function quickly resulting in output that is precise, accurate and of high quality.
Second: Change of Mindset
We often discuss the issue of resistance to change. In other words, a shift does not involve merely a physical shift but more importantly, a non-physical shift, that is changing our mindset. We ourselves must change first before trying to change the minds of others. We cannot move forward if there is no change in the way we think or no concerted paradigm shift. We cannot guide and lead if we ourselves cannot accept being led and guided and have yet to inculcate an innovative and committed working culture and attitude.
I believe that our organisation which is going to face restructuring, will reach an impasse and fail if we continue to apply and practise outdated strategies, modus operandi and measures that are ineffective in overcoming new problems which are increasingly complicated.
Third: Protecting Government Secrets
Ladies and gentlemen, we must give serious attention to protecting the government secrets. This is very important to avoid circumstances that can threaten integrity, accountability and subsequently, affect efficiency and effectiveness.
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Fourth: Fulfilling Service Pledges
We must enhance the implementation of our Client Charter. Thus, we must always check that our pledges are fulfilled and improved from time to time. We must also focus on the quality of our services and identify weaknesses to raise quality standards.
Fifth: Open and Proactive Attitude towards Criticism
All of us need to take an interest in and direct our attention to criticisms and complaints so that weaknesses can be improved.
Sixth: Avoiding Negative Practices
We need to instil and practise noble values and intensify efforts to establish a trustworthy administration with positive work ethics.
Seventh: Working as a Team
An important component in implementing the department’s programmes is the direct and active involvement of all directors of divisions, heads of units and other support staff. I urge divisional directors and heads of units to guide the new engineers and support staff to raise their capacity so that they can learn new procedures and not follow or be influenced by negative culture that impinge on their performance as well as that of the department.
Eighth: Concerted Commitment
Total committment and responsibility to carry out our responsibilities and duties are necessary. This is crucial because without commitment and the right attitude, I believe we will be unable to produce good results. All staff members must study and understand all circulars, guidelines and directives issued in relation to their jobs.
Ninth: Leadership and Ownership
Leadership and ownership are basic values that will determine how far we are willing to walk the extra mile to seek solutions for problems. We should have pride in our work. We need to try to do the best. We must take risks, change for the better, believe in our ability and skills. To be good leaders, we must first be good followers.
Tenth: Building Capacity
We need to focus seriously on capacity building to ensure all of us are armed with sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out our tasks successfully. In this context, I urge all engineers to take the initiative and endeavour to raise their professionalism. To do this, they need to take the professional engineer examination to be recognised as an accredited professional engineer by the Board of Engineers of Malaysia. If we possess the requisite knowledge, skills and experience, we need not be apprehensive about any challenges that come our way.
Eleventh: Understanding Work Targets
All staff members must understand the contents of the work procedure manual and respective desk files. We are encouraged to foster the reading culture to enhance knowledge, be equipped with the latest information and not be left behind in a continuously evolving world that waits for no man. Those who are negligent will be left behind and if we fail to realise what is happening, we will be consumed by the dimensions of time. Therefore, we must equip ourselves and be prepared to adapt with changing times and environments.
Twelfth: Focus and Priority
To ensure the implementation of programmes as planned, I hope all divisional directors, heads of units and other staff members will give their focus and priority so that all matters function smoothly according to specified procedures. I am confident we can continue to succeed and handle problems with complete confidence and success.
Thirteenth: Resourcefulness
I believe we need to strengthen our organisation. As all of you are aware, we have long been involved in planning and implementation using limited resources. Notwithstanding our limited resources and staff deficiency, we must nurture a working culture and organisation that prioritise excellent performance.
Fourteenth: We are the Source of Problems
Ladies and gentlemen, we ourselves can become part of the problem and source of failure if we do not have the capacity and commitment to walk the extra mile. We still have a long way to go in our journey which started in 2004, when water related functions were moved from the Water Supply Branch of the Public Works Department to the Water Supply Department of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications.
Fifteenth: Championing the Agenda of the Department
Ladies and gentlemen, the restructuring of the department comes with such high hopes. We need to change so that we have the ability to succeed in our core business. I hope to make clear the important agenda of the department. I also hope to clarify the role and responsibilities of all personnel. Furthermore, I hope all of you will be able, to adopt an excellent working culture and the spirit to strive to realise the department’s agenda and programmes.
Sixteenth: Strong Support for the Government
I urge all of us, as civil servants, to stand strong behind the government in managing and implementing policies and development programmes. We must also resolve to continue to serve and give our complete loyalty to our beloved nation.
WE, AS CIVIL SERVANTS, MUST BE THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL THAT WE ARE ALWAYS GRANTED FORTUNE AND BLESSINGS FROM ALLAH S.W.T
I take this opportunity to record my deepest appreciation to all personnel who have left the service and who are still in service for their undivided cooperation and support to all previous Directors-General. It is my hope that all of you will continue to give me your support and cooperation.
Thank you.