Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Lament the state

Excerpt from a local newspaper.

"..proactive step to speed up MyKad issuing process".

What a joke. After several years, MyKad applicants can get card within 24 hours. Well, 24 hours is certainly better than 3 months. But why would the streamlining and optimization process require such a long time? It is ironic really to have such inefficient system in our home ground when we promote ourselves to be technologically competent and a first class provider through our government's umbrella body MDC. We have managed to help other countries' government to issue identity smart cards within 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right. The moment an applicant gets a queue ticket until him or her receiving the spanking new card is under 15 minutes. The counter officers would have to be profusely apologetic to the applicants should a delay of 15 minutes is to occur. For all intents and purposes, should there be any problems whatsoever that would require the applicants to return the day after, they would need to have a bloody good reason and tact to do the explanation.

Freedom of information. I really hope we are not taking a few steps back. Dr. M kind of hinted of such a scenario to take place recently at the UTP press conference. LKY better get a firm grip on this as the ministry in charge and ensure he walks the talk. Do your part and sign this online petition, "Malaysian Freedom of Information Act".