SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said
greater citizen interest and engagement in how the government
carries out its business should be welcomed, and public officers
must adapt to a closer partnership with those they
serve.
In his message to some 130,000 public officers to
celebrate Public Service Week, Mr Teo, who is also Minister in
charge of the Civil Service, urged public officers to continue to
earn the trust of the public.
He said officers mark this year's Public Service
Week in more challenging times.
Public spotlight has been cast on service lapses and on public
officers who were convicted or are being investigated for alleged
misconduct.
Mr Teo said public expectations are rising, and there is more
scrutiny of the things done by public officers, how they do them
and what they achieve.
A first-class public service, he said, is not just hard-working,
efficient and effective, but is also humble and learns from its
shortcomings and always seeks to improve.
Mr Teo called on public officers to uphold the public service
values of integrity, service and excellence.
On integrity, he said public officers must perform their duties
with the highest standards of honesty and impartiality, without
fear or favour.
Service reminds public officers to work together with fellow
citizens to deliver better services and greater value, in a
partnership of mutual respect.
Excellence is the commitment to deliver greater value to Singapore
and Singaporeans.
Mr Teo said maintaining a clean and competent public service that
is true to its values is the key reason why Singapore's public
officers can say with pride that it is one of the most trusted and
respected public services in the world.
Started in 2008 as an annual event to build in public officers a
sense of pride and belonging to the public service, Public Service
Week reminds officers of the important role they play in nation
building and the need to serve with dedication and
commitment.
It is also a time to recognise the good work of public officers and
agencies, as well as members of the public who have been helpful
and made significant contributions as customers.
This year's celebration is themed "Serving the nation and proud of
it".
There will be a series of activities for public officers, which
include observance ceremonies, learning journeys, a tea reception
at Istana and an awards ceremony.
- CNA/cc