Granted, those were pre-internet and pre e-mail days - in 1971 - and physical paper records were needed forevery file and movement from department to department. But the picture of George Borg Olivier signing the oil agreement with Home Oil for exploration of oil on 15 April, 1971, is testament to the transparent handling of business, under the eyes of Public Administration officials to oversee that proper procedures are followed, as was the rule back then and until recently.
The Public Administration Office or civil service has a purpose which in today’s age of digital information may occasionally seem archaic or overly bureaucratic but methods of procedure, handling of agreements and documents, enactment of legislations, promotions, new engagements and all sorts of organisational affairs and implementation of decisions still fall under its remit and the government itself sits at the top of the structure.
To enter the civil service one had to sit for an examination and if successful, a job in the service became a life-long career. Anyone who had such a career was, by nature of the job, considered a person of trust. It was understood that, especially those at asenior level, would not publicly participate in political meetings and all members of staff and government were expected to serve in an impartial manner under whichever government of the day was in power.
Some of the members were trained in organisation and method at HM Treasury in London and a high level of management and professionalism was achieved. Many distinguished persons served and continue to serve in the civil service.
The reason for which it has become the Cinderella of the day is not through any fault of its own and some justification for the treatment it has received of late would be in order, especially since it is the Maltese public that pays for the salaries and wages of the many employees.
When you remove the Permanent Secretaries from the Public Administration, it can be compared to removing the CEOs of a company. They are there in office to head a department or Ministry and provide continuity between one administration and another. And the administration of a television station is really quite different to the administration of an entity of the size, knowledge base and importance of our civil service.
Going it alone, as appears to be the trend in this Administration, has incurred harm and economic cost to the people of Malta. It is not a question of learning the ropes or making a mistake in protocol or other minor grievances. New Ministers or Prime Ministers, especially when they are non-career politicians and coming from the private sector or professional sector, may find it difficult to adapt to the constraints of the civil service, but without the knowledge, experience, guidance and leadership provided by the same organisation, as we can see, trouble ensues. And it can cost a pretty penny too. €14 million is quite a substantial sum.
To also go so far as to ask that distinguished persons or even ordinary staff relinquish their mobile phone before entering a meeting indicates a complete breakdown in trust, unwarranted suspicion and a total lack of understanding and appreciation of how business is conducted in the public sector. Not to mention that it is an insult to the integrity of people and can be sensed as humiliating. The result is that it creates a perception that anyone who is not part of the highest level of Government is untrustworthy and an “us and them” division is created. Lack of motivation will follow, leading to poor levels of service and the public will suffer as a consequence.
On the other hand, neither can we have excessive trust in public administration, whereby any individual who has a concern or requires assistance with an issue, is simply referred back to the public entity or office concerned. There are cases where intervention by the senior officials or even Ministers is required and cannot be avoided.
Many people are also sensitive to the way they are treated and a lack of manners and sparse information or running around from department to department can cause anger and frustration. Other times there may be exceptions which require evaluation at a level which exceeds the structure and boundary of the public administration. In such cases, consultation between all the parties concerned would be positive and lead to more trust in general, whilst helping to resolve issues.
For the country to achieve a more efficient and trustworthy service and to attract valid and qualified persons into a career, we should seriously consider creating a degree course at the University of Malta, in Public Administration. Courses already exist. These consist of subjects such as Public Speaking, European Studies, Social Studies, Political studies, Policy making, Diplomatic Studies and other degrees or diplomas but a degree in Public Administration would provide an excellent foundation for anyone who would wish to pursue a career in the Civil Service and promote the image of employees in general. Hopefully, it would also lead to a more professional service which may be lacking in some areas today.
At this point in time, the installation of so-called persons of trust, without proper reference to such positions, may create the perception of a second-class civil service, a Cinderella, and will in fact lead to lack of trust, as this is the message inferred when people are placed freely in jobs which are not rightfully theirs. This practice, the size of it and any jobs ensuing from it, should be scrutinised by the Attorney General and if necessary, scaled back. How can this government speak of precarious jobs and then simply dismiss with the stroke of a pen, the committed jobs and careers of civil servants?
The Government is not there to make the most of it while in power. They are there to make policies and administer the country as a whole for the good of all its citizens. It will not be possible to do this if a culture of mediocrity and abuse is allowed to prevail.
We, the public, also need to speak out and protest the way our country is being run, when it comes to responsibility and transparency and just because a new government was elected, it does not mean we voted for a new public administration or a rejection of respected public officials and their duties. Certainly, we would not have expected the kind of total disregard towards public policy that we have experienced recently.
There is also an urgent need to stop the unfounded fear and lack of trust which is prevalent. What are a few more papers to sign if it means doing things properly and saving the country money? What is so tragic about consulting and asking for advice? And this extends also to which countries we do business with because we did not vote for shady deals. Or is there something to hide in and around these contracts, activity and mentality?
A new approach and greater respect is needed if this Government is to achieve a peaceful society and to protect our economy.