Stepping Forward To Be Of Service To The Public

SHAH ALAM, March 8 — They are young, smart and highly opinionated; pretty typical of young corporate climbers anywhere in the country. But these seven people have given up, or are putting on hold, promising careers in the private sector for public service in Selangor.

While some campaigned for political parties and were caught up in the euphoria of Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) unexpected take-over of Selangor two years ago, others came on board simply to help make a difference and have remained apolitical.

There is 26-year-old Iliyas Jamil, formerly a management consultant with Shell Brunei, who now works as an economic development officer for the mentri besar’s office.

“In the career I left, I worked to improve a company. Here, I can make an impact on a state,” said the UK graduate — in economics — when asked what compelled him to take a pay cut for public service.

But it has not been smooth sailing all the way. Adjustments had to be made as everything in government — even if it is Opposition-led — takes a longer time.

“Previously I could just send out an e-mail, but here a letter may take a few days because I would need a reference number and everything needs to be filed.”

Iliyas, who is coordinating the state government’s Klang River rehabilitation and development project, added that he’s not involved in politics though.

Like Iliyas, Noor Amin Ahmad joined the state government to try and make a difference in Selangor.

The 28-year-old forestry and science graduate who previously was an associate with the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs is now an assistant communications officer with the state.

“I may not agree with all the state’s policies but I believe I can bring about change from within,” he said.

Then there is Brian Yap 32, who gave up a better-paying job — he himself admits was more “fun” — because of his “belief in the country and its people” which he points out has been heading in the wrong direction for a long time.

“Talent is being wasted because of bad governance and corrupt leaders,” said the political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.

He admits though that working with the state government and its civil servants is not easy.

“It’s difficult to change things, but it’s necessary to get things done,” said the journalism graduate.

Yap, who worked as a writer/columnist and former editor of a lifestyle magazine, added he has always been interested in social-economic issues as well as politics. However, he is not a member of any party.

Law graduate Sangetha Jayakumar, 27, says she was in the middle of chambering during the last general elections and could not wait to join her father, Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar as a member of his staff.

“I could not just sit back after Pakatan Rakyat took over Selangor, I wanted to be involved.” said Sangetha, who has put a career in law on hold.

“My father never wanted me here, I want to be here,” she said.

However, she admits there have been moments where she feels frustrated and overwhelmed.

“While there are civil servants who work very well with us, there have been cases of clear sabotage.”

She said there was a state event where a book written by former mentri besar Datuk Seri Khir Toyo was deliberately slipped into goodie bags which were to be handed out to participants.

However, Sangetha said such incidents have taught her to always be on her toes and vigilant.

Also working with Dr Xavier is 26-year-old finance graduate M. Devendran who is a field officer.

Formerly a database analyst, Devendran joined the state after he was retrenched during the economic down-turn last year.

“It’s been a fulfilling and learning experience, especially when dealing with the demanding public.”

Devendran, whose role includes disbursing funds to temples, said he sometimes faces unreasonable people who want more than the state can give.

“Sometimes they accuse us of being no different that the previous state government and don’t understand that we have our guidelines,” he said, adding that he has had to bite his tongue and accept the criticisms.

Mohd Rafizi Ramli, 33, formerly a general manager at Pharmaniaga Berhad but who now works with the Selangor economic adviser, said he “took the plunge” because he did not want to be an armchair critic.

“I believe you cannot be waiting on the sidelines if you really want to see change happen,” said the engineering graduate who went on to become a chartered accountant.

Coming from a corporate environment, Rafizi said he is still adjusting to government bureaucracy.

“In a company, speed is important but in government, it’s normal for decisions and processes to take a longer time.”

Journalism graduate Ginie Lim, 29, who joined the state government as its public relations officer last year, says her role provides her a platform to make a difference.

“I was initially reluctant to take up the position but I did try to promote ‘new politics’ which is not based on race but common values,” said the PKR member and party worker.

She said her task is sometimes hampered by bureaucracy.

Lim said she feels that civil servants in general want to get their jobs done but are constrained by the system.

“I am still learning how to get around the red-tape in order to get information out to the public and the press.”

While all seven of them continue to grapple with their new roles, one thing is clear. They are living example of what Gandhi said about change: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Source: The Malaysian Insider