FEEDBACK is precious. It is a gift.
Penang State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar said public servants must learn to accept constructive criticism as it is intended to improve or promote development.
“Don’t be afraid to learn from others who are better than you. Be open to learning new things and welcome feedback, or you will never know where you can improve,” Mohd Sayuthi said in an interview recently.
He stressed the importance of learning from others.
“Learn how the organisation works, learn from your seniors and do not be complacent.
“As public servants, we need to keep abreast of developments and always do our best to improve. We are here to provide our services to the public and that is our duty… our responsibility.
“Hence, we must uphold two key strategies in whatever we do – fast and accurate,” he said.
Mohd Sayuthi said he prioritises speed.
“We have often received feedback that public servants are slow, especially in making decisions.
“Public servants need to have more self-confidence. They can make decisions.
“We have guidelines and standard operating procedures. Guided by these, civil servants can make their own decisions within their capacity.
“For example, a deliveryman can make his own decision, such as which route to use or what time to depart, without first consulting his superior. The deliveryman makes his own decision, ensuring that he delivers his parcels on time,” he said.
He also said that while speed is important, one must not compromise accuracy.
Mohd Sayuthi was appointed as the Penang State Secretary in December last year.
Before being the Penang State Secretary, Mohd Sayuthi had served as a Deputy Chief Secretary (Management) in the Home Ministry, as Immigration deputy director, and as a Petaling Jaya City Council mayor.
He said his upbringing and experiences helped to groom his character.
“When we work on something, it is important to know what our objective is and the intended results.
“Do our work seriously until we succeed and see it through no matter what,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis