Findings Of ‘Deep’ Demerit System Evaluation In January, Says Chief Secretary

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- A comprehensive evaluation of the Performance Demerit System (DEEP) for the civil service will be known for the first time in January next year, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said.

He said the system, which was introduced in January this year, is monitored quarterly to measure the effectiveness of ministry and department leadership.

“One of the key indicators is the effectiveness of project implementation, which takes a year to complete.

“Therefore, scores cannot be given too early and can only be evaluated in the fourth quarter,” he said during a media engagement session here today.

The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Shamsul Azri said DEEP is not intended to punish department heads but to improve the quality of public service delivery.

“We must remember that the objective of this demerit system is not to punish, but to improve services for the people. We start with 100 points. If there are weaknesses, points are deducted; if performance is good, points can be added… there is a threshold value,” he said.

He said department heads who fail to show improvement will first receive advice and a period to address shortcomings.

“But if they still cannot improve, I will have to transfer them to another place so they may perform better there,” he said.

On Jan 24, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said that department heads, including ministerial secretaries-general, who fail under DEEP could face stricter disciplinary action, including annual salary increments being withheld, stalled promotions or transfers.

The system, fully implemented this year, is intended to be more progressive and fair as evaluations are conducted monthly compared to the previous annual reporting system.

It also provides a more objective assessment as expenditure performance was previously influenced by the Finance Ministry block allocations, which did not always reflect the real spending situation of government agencies.

Shamsul Azri reminded civil servants not to assume the government always ‘knows best’, and instead to listen to feedback from the grassroots to improve policies and services.

“We must listen to those on the ground and improve accordingly,” he said.

He said views from groups such as e-hailing drivers, taxi drivers and office assistants are equally important as they experience different daily realities compared to senior officers.

Shamsul Azri also urged civil servants to stay aware of the real challenges faced by the public and avoid becoming comfortable or detached when making policy decisions.

“We must be able to feel the pulse of the people,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA