Q & A About PTD: Permohonan Jawatan PTD dan Kelulusan

Question received via email dated 22 February 2017:

Salam saudara Saupee. I hope you are able to help with some questions here.

1. Is there any age restriction for us to apply for the PTD Post. (say at 41). 

2. To become a diplomatic officer and work with the embassy / wisma putra / foreign ministry, is PTD the only post that we can go for or is there any other post for an International Relation graduates can apply for.

Thank you very much in advance if are answering my mail.

May allah granted barakah to you and family.

Mxxxxxxi binti xxxad

Anwer:

Hello Mxxxxxxi,

1. As far as I am aware, there is no age restriction to apply for PTD post. As a general rule, the applicant must have at least a bachelor degree recognised by Public Service Department of Malaysia or known as JPA;

2. The PTD post, though it is known as Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik or Administrative and Diplomatic Officer, it actually does not automatically carry a "Diplomatic" status. The diplomatic status is a credential accorded to an officer by the government to serve in a foreign country which the both countries have an official bilateral diplomatic relation. It is governed under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. A Diplomat works with the embassy, that is under the purview of Foreign Ministry and majority of them are PTDs. That is the privilege of being a PTD officer. Thus, a diplomat may also be appointed from other service scheme such as a military personnel, a policemen, an immigration officer etc. All diplomats work for and answerable to the Head of Mission who are the officers from the Foreign Ministry.

In regards to your academic qualification, having the IR certificate may earn you some plus points for consideration when you chose your preferred ministry. But, please be reminded that you may not get what you want. A PTD officer can be posted to anywhere and anytime depending on the situation and the government's priority.

I hope the answer has enlighten your doubts and I encourage you to apply for PTD post if you keen to serve the country!!!

Unexpected Offer as a State Director With Higher Grade

Thank you boss for offering me a State Director post in the metropolitan state with a higher grade than I am currently holding it. 

Boss, as I informed you over the phone, I just accepted a new posting order to a rural state where I am from, as the new state director and will be carrying my existing grade. 

I want to tell you boss that I was really moved with your call offer yesterday. It came after a deep inside emotional farewell bidding session by MyTeams in the office hours earlier. I did not mean that I refused your offer or did not appreciate it boss. Of course, I must be appreciative when it is about a privileged offer and unexpected promotion. But boss, I have mentally committed to my self to be in my hometown for reasons I could not explain here. 

You gave me 2-3 days to rethink about my decision. I appreciate your patience boss. I must say a big thank you to you boss for thinking of me as the candidate for that director post. I would love to be there but.....if not because of pre-planned and approved posting order, i will without question and beyond doubt, accept the offer. 

Maaf boss...looking forward to be part of your team in the near future. 

Notes: The offer call by one of my bosses came in on 25 November 2016, Friday, at around 6.20pm, the day my current office held a farewell party for two other officers and me who are leaving to other work place. 

Grooming Junior Officers

I like to teach....got no time yet to write :( 

Okay, my first paragraph is a follows. 

Leading a group of followers often associated with achieving a mission, objective or purpose. In doing so, a leader will state a target and lead the team to work to achieve the target. Some leaders give an order to their followers and leave it to the team to plan, manage and working towards achieving the target. There is also a leader who always make it clear to his or her team about what to achieve, what to do, how to do and give the team a freedom in their mission to achieve the target.

Battle of the PTDs

Administrative and Diplomatic Service corps or famously known as PTD attracts very aggressive, high quality, high performing individuals.

Sometimes you have got to have that oomph that only PTDs can bring.

"I know that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." joked anonymous.

*the above paragraphs are the quotes from AFP news report on 'Battle of the New Yorkers' that refers to the fight between two New Yorkers' Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for the 45th president of the United States of America.

Challenges As A Civil Servant

Kala Lupur, 20 December 2015 - Good morning mek, tok we, abe, adik, kakok, pok cik & mok cik and readers. Happy Reading.

What would you do when you are asked to implement a political decision that you consider may anger public and people as a whole?

As a civil servant you just have to do it. You serve the rakyat based on orders, instructions and policies made by the politicians. The politicians, in this context refer to the government of the day elected by the people such as the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Ministers and Excos. They decide what the government plan to do for the country. 

Under the democracy system which our country has been adopting since Independence, lawmakers who won the election and command the majority, form the government. The Parliament, is an institution of highest authority debates, votes and decides laws governing the country and it is part of the democracy system. The Parliament also approves money for the government to spend within the parameters set in the laws. 

There are two sides of group in the parliament. The group that form the government and the other one is the group who are not part of the government. Both members of the groups have won the constituency seats in the general election. It means, the members are the elected representative of the people. The democracy system practically recognises, only the group that forms the government able to carry out responsibilities for and on behalf of the people because the rule "majority wins" is the essence of democracy.

Okeh, merapu banyok pulok aku pasal sistem demokrasi nih. Let's continue...

The civil service is the machinery exists to serve the government which has a mandate from the parliament. The government decides and approves policies, programs, implements projects, activities and renders services for the people because they are chosen and elected to do it. That is the government's responsibilities. Who will execute these things? The civil servants!!!

Back to the question "what would you do when you are asked to implement a political decision that you consider may anger public and people as a whole?

As a civil servant, the above question should not arise at all. The execution of a political decision by the government is the absolute responsibilities of the civil servants. Failing to fulfil its responsibilities will make them deserve for a strongest condemnation by the government. On the other side, the Opposition has no authority rights to call upon the government's civil servants not to obey, comply or follow the governments instructions.

Jeng jeng jeng.....dilema dilema nih....pah nok wat gano nih?

To join the civil service requires certain quality. Among the pre-requites are ability to analyse, critical thinking, decisive and most importantly is the ability to advise the government. Civil servant is the pulse and brain of the government. They are located in villages, districts, states and federal administration capital. Some are posted overseas in the neigbouring countries, the near region and far away of the globe. A significant number of personel are also embedded in the society, community and economy as the government representatives in NGO organisations, universities, institutions, corporations and world bodies. 

Information is in the hands of the civil servants because of their mammoth spread and variety of service they are doing. This is the power that no body should take for granted even the political masters. That is why a civil servant plays important roles in developing and preserving the prosperity of the country. Formulating policies, drafting and enforcing laws, executing programs, fulfilling the needs of the people upon orders by the government, are all placed on the shoulder of the civil servants. Thereafter, they are the ones who monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the outcome post-implementation. How well the people receive, react, respond and determine the future fate of the government.

Should an officer feels that a political decision may cause negative effects to the people or country, he or she must has a sense of responsibility to properly advise the consequence from the implementation of the decision. Do not stop there. The concerned officer should be ready with alternatives to offer to the politicians who give the command. There are many ways and means to complement the politicians make a decision. The officer of course needs to be knowledgeable and experienced on the government's policies, rules, regulations, procedures, contraints and capable to anticipate of the future. Again, it is all about information plus the qualities that have been mentioned in the above paragraphs.

What about if the politicians do not budge? The words "just do it" come out from that politicians. Then, there is no more "multiple" choices like A, B, C, etc. Just Do It. But of cource, it has to follow proper procedures, processes and go through the righful approval authority. At this stage, a civil servant has to fulfill its pledge and responsibility to serve the government of the day.

Consequences? If it turns out that the people get angry, protest and suffer from the implementation of a decision by the politicians, the civil service should not be put in the trial chamber of the people's court. The judge and the prosecutor is only one, The People who determines the future fate of the government and its politicians.

Meanwhile, a civil servant will continue to do their jobs serving the people. Your politics? Just leave it at home. 

-- Ripin Niknah

My frustrations...

Sometimes I feel those who are in the grade of Staff I, II, III (Turus 1, 2, 3) or Super Scale A, B and C (Jusa A, B, C) are no better than those in grade 41 or 44.

When there is an important decision to be made they are not able to make it.

When there is a critical decision that must be made by the political masters they are not able to offer advice to their masters.

When there is a task that requires them to carry it out, they do not know how to execute it. Instead, they "subcontract" it to their subordinates.

When they are given a responsibility, they delegate it to their subordinates.

They only know to give orders but in fact do not know what to do and how to do. What they know is finding "who to do".

They lack of bravery to approach and persuade their political masters to reverse a bad decision made.

They are weak in offering ideas and guidance to their subordinates. They leave it to their officers to crack the head and think.

They are good in saying bombastic words such as strategic, transformation, tactical, intelligent, way forward, high standards and so on and so forth but those are just words. When asked what are the measurements and specific expectations, they are clueless.

They attempt to demonstrate that they are leading the team but in reality they just follow what are being told by their subordinates.

They pretend as if they know everything. Factually, they know nothing. Never admit of mistakes.

I wonder if they are actually better than those who are in the lower grades. I am curious whether they arrive at the top of ladder of hierarchy because they are good or because someone at the top like them for being the king apple polisher?

I don't have any specific answer for that...I'm just expressing my frustration.

Tiada Pilih Kasih Mohon Skim PTD

Oleh: Sharamei Shaik Ahmedullah
pengarang@utusan.com.my

TIADA pilih kasih hanya calon terbaik yang akan mengisi jawatan Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomat (PTD). Itu tegas Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA), Tan Sri Mahmood Adam.

Menurut beliau, jawatan dalam skim perkhidmatan awam itu tidak seperti dahulu lagi apabila setiap tahun permohonan daripada calon yang layak untuk memohon ke jawatan itu terus meningkat.

Skim berkenaan yang boleh dikategorikan sebagai elit dalam sektor perkhidmatan awam kini mula mendapat tempat di hati bukan sahaja lepasan pelajar di institusi pengajian tempatan malah pelajar dari luar negara.

Malah, saingan kini bertambah sengit apabila SPA mula mengintai pelajar terbaik negara yang sedang menuntut di tahun akhir universiti luar negara untuk memohon mengisi jawatan tersebut.

"Sekarang SPA mula mengambil langkah proaktif sejak tahun lalu untuk menemuduga pelajar tahun akhir yang sedang belajar di luar negara untuk berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam supaya orang lain tidak sambar dahulu.

"Kalau SPA tidak tawarkan skim ini kepada mereka, kita bimbang ilmu yang mereka peroleh ketika menuntut di luar negara disumbangkan kepada negara luar dan sekali gus negara akan kehilangan bakat terbaik," katanya ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia di pejabatnya di Putrajaya baru-baru ini.

Mahmood berkata, negara sering kali terlepas untuk mendapatkan khidmat pelajar terbaik negara ini selepas berjaya dipancing negara tempat mereka belajar dan syarikat swasta yang menawarkan gaji lumayan.

Bagaimanapun, selepas usaha agresif dan proaktif diambil oleh SPA pelajar dari luar negara mula membuka mata dan menunjukkan minat untuk memohon ke jawatan tersebut.

Jelas beliau, biarpun SPA berminat dengan pelajar luar negara untuk berkhidmat dalam kerajaan setiap syarat yang telah ditetapkan sewaktu peperiksaan dan temuduga perlu dipatuhi.

Mahmood memberitahu, sebanyak 65,000 pemohon yang layak telah memohon untuk memasuki skim tersebut dan daripada jumlah itu sebanyak 1,162 calon merupakan pelajar tahun akhir yang sedang menuntut di institusi pengajian tinggi di Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, United Kingdom dan Australia.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, SPA hanya membuat pengambilan sebanyak 300 tempat untuk calon-calon terbabit mengisi jawatan tersebut untuk tahun ini yang mana hanya calon terbaik dipilih tanpa memilih bulu.

Menurut beliau, daripada jumlah itu satu pertiga jawatan dalam skim tersebut berjaya diisi oleh pelajar lulusan luar negara.

"Tahun lalu kita menggunakan kaedah konvensional dengan pergi ke luar negara untuk bertemu dengan pelajar ini bagi menjalankan peperiksaan dan sesi temu duga namun, selepas ini kaedah ini akan digantikan sepenuhnya menerusi sistem atas talian.

"Sejak kita menjalankan promosi secara giat ramai dalam kalangan pelajar luar negara berminat memasuki skim ini antaranya kerana gaji yang tinggi dan faedah menarik seperti pinjaman perumahan sehingga RM400,000, pinjaman kenderaan sehingga RM60,000, komputer sehingga RM5,000 dan faedah perubatan.

"Biarpun, mereka ini akan bermula sebagai kadet PTD dan menerima bayaran elaun sebanyak RM 2,095 sebulan selama setahun selepas itu, gaji yang akan diterima tidak kurang RM3,600 sebulan bergantung kepada kelayakan yang ada," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, salah seorang pelajar terbaik negara yang berjaya memasuki skim tersebut yang turut ditemui, Muazam Shah Mat Nor, 27, menyifatkan peluang yang diberikan untuk berkhidmat dalam sektor kerajaan sangat dinanti-nantikan kerana berkesempatan menabur bakti dengan ilmu yang diperoleh dari luar negara.

Dia yang merupakan pemegang Ijazah Sarjana Kejuruteraan Alam Sekitar dan Sarjana Muda Kejuruteraan Bahan dari Universiti Teknologi Toyohashi Jepun berkata, ilmu yang diperoleh dari Jepun mampu digunakan dalam perkhidmatan awam bagi meningkatkan lagi keberkesanan sektor awam terhadap pelanggan.

"Saya sedar ada tawaran menarik dari syarikat swasta dan di Jepun sendiri namun, tawaran yang disediakan dalam PTD juga tidak kurang menarik malah kita mampu merangka dasar kerajaan bagi memantapkan lagi perkhidmatan awam," katanya.

Seorang lagi calon lulusan luar negara, Noor Amanina Mohd. Noor, 24, yang merupakan pemegang Ijazah Sarjana Muda Biochemsitry dan Bioteknologi Universiti East Lansing Michigan berkata, dia mengambil peperiksaan PTD pada tahun lalu di Amerika Syarikat ketika menuntut pada tahun akhir.

Katanya, selain perlu mengetahui bidang yang dipelajari semua calon juga perlu mengetahui hal ehwal semasa terutamanya yang berlaku sama ada dalam atau luar negara.

Menurut pemegang Ijazah Sarjana Muda Kejuruteraan Kimia Institusi Teknologi Royal Melbourne, Victoria Australia, Nurul Amalia Zawawi, 24, biarpun dianggap mempunyai kelebihan sebagai pelajar lulusan luar negara, status tersebut sedikit pun tidak memberi kelebihan.

Katanya, calon lulusan institusi pengajian tinggi tempatan juga mempunyai kelebihan tersendiri, malah lebih mengetahui mengenai hal ehwal semasa dalam negara.

"Saya mengambil peperiksaan ini di Melbourne ketika menuntut pada tahun akhir dan bagi mengetahui hal ehwal semasa terutamanya di Malaysia kami perlu melayari berita atas talian bagi mendapatkan maklumat terkini.

"Pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan adalah ketika ditemu duga sendiri oleh Pengerusi SPA pada mulanya memang agak gementar tetapi sikap beliau yang tenang dan ramah membuatkan kami hilang takut," katanya. – Utusan Online, 23 September 2014

Promotion Exercise

The recent promotion exercise by the Public Service Department (PSD) has taught me one important thing. Read further for the details...

Several officers who worked hard and dedicated serving the organisation were left out from the promotion exercise. One of the main reasons was due to the so called performance evaluation marks were below certain benchmark level used by the central agency PSD. Instead of giving promotion to the existing long serving officers, outsiders who had just joined the organisation were rewarded. The reason being was that the outsiders scored higher appraisal evaluation marks. 

However, PSD failed to recognise the fact that appraisal evaluation by immediate supervisor was very subjective and depended upon the level of generosity of the evaluator and how he perceives the excellenct working criteria and performance result. This is the result of the organisational's performance culture and working environment. Different organisations may have different way and benchmarks how it evaluate their people's performance. For example, the 90% marks and above could be given to those who excel in work performance. But, for some organisations, the excellence criterion is defined within the range of 85% to 90%. The score above 90% would only be give to a handful employees who had shown exemplary and outstanding achievements.

Therefore, if the PSD were to maintain this outdated promotion system, I have learned one thing. If you cannot change the system, then live it with the system and find ways how to exploit the system to your advantage.

What did I learn? When you feel your promotion is coming, be sure to keep reminding your boss of a fair appraisal evaluation. I would not hesitate to request from my supervisor for higher marks if I fully satisfied with my performance. I will clearly say to my supervisor that his fair contribution will have an impact on my soon to be higher grade promotion. I believe, by telling the truth (about our feeling) will result in a win-win situation. My supervisor and effectively the organisation will benefit from positive performance of highly motivated of mine. And of course, I will get higher appraisal marks from the supervisor and hopefully be considered for promotion by the PSD. I give work commitment, my supervisor gives me a high evaluation score. So, fair what???

Why PTD Dominates Top Posts in Malaysian Civil Service?

Have you ever given a thought that all KSNs, KSUs and majority of Director Generals of government agencies posts are occupied by a group of PTDs?

I am one hundred and twenty percent confident that many of us are aware or were told that the Secretary of the Government (KSN), Secretary Generals, Director Generals, Directors and the State Secretaries posts are mostly the PTDs officers. They hold majority of top posts, the number one decision maker at the Ministries, Government Departments and agencies.

Some of them, even after retiring from the service are appointed as the Chairman as well as the Directors of Government Linked Companies (GLCs). They are enjoying the priviledges right from the first day of appointment as PTD until their post service. May be until the last day of their life!

Are those top posts specially reserved for PTD? 

The simple answer is NO..NO..NO!!!

But, why do PTDs dominate the majority of importants appointments? The answers are....

Do come again for misterious reasons!!! Sooonnnn.....

Updated on 27 June 2013

There are several key reasons why PTDs dominate majority of top positions in the government. 

PTD are trained to be a leader

The career roadmap for PTD officers is designed on a long term basis. The Public Service Department or JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam is responsible to chart career direction for PTD right from the first day of joining the service until retirement. We are living in multimensions, working and training. Apart from day to day to accomplish works related tasks, we are also required to attend courses, workshops, seminars, conventions, talks, forums and meetings. I would say, a PTD will not be sitting in the office throughout 30 days in a month without going out at least once a month. We are exposed to various kind of trainings from office administration, coaching, motivation, negotiation to leadership course.

The objective of attending the training is to equip a PTD with knowledge and experience so that he or she will become a capable leader in leading an organisation.

Variety of exposures

As I mentioned earlier, PTDs attended multi-disciplines training course. Unlike the other closed-service schemes which mostly focused on their respective profession. For example, accountant officers have also got the opportunity to attend a training but their training module could be on finance and figures related and more concentrated.

A PTD must has the ability to command and possess theoritical knowledge and practical experiences in all aspects of managing people and the organisation. In order to master and enriching working experience, PTDs work in many departments within an organisation before being promoted to a higher post. The job rotation is regularly implemented. A PTD may have to work in two and more departments, doing different works within a span of five years period such as human resourse, project management and public policy.

Besides the variety of job specifications, a PTD is also posted to different locations either in the big cities or rural areas. He or she could also be sent to overseas for international organisation or placed at Malaysian representative offices in foreign countries.

PTD has no idea where to settle down

Probably, one of the question which a PTD will not be able to answer is "where would they plan to retire?". 

To be cont'....

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

Why I Choose PTD As My Career?

I entered the working world right after my final exam during the final year at university (in April 1998). My first job was with a private company. As a matter of fact, I choose private sector to start my working career because I had a perception that working in the government sector was not challenging and it was a low pay job. But, deep inside my heart I still wanted to settle my career life in the government, may be after 10 years of experience in the private sector. One of the reasons was because government job receives pension.

However, the government job came up early. I was offered the PTD job in December 2002 at the age of 28. Actually, when I received the offer letter, I couldn't decide whether to accept or decline it. There were two factors that shrouding my mind judgement. First, if I were to accept it, the pay was so low as compared to what I was earning at that time. It was close to RM1,000.00 lower! Second, if I were to decline, I believed I would not make a cut should I apply for the PTD job again. The hurdles of PTD recruitment processes that I had gone through (written test, PAC, interview) made me fully appreciative that PTD was not an easy job to get. So, I tendered my resignation letter with 30 days notice to my former employer and accepted the PTD offer.

The above two reasons are the disturbing elements in my decision process of either to quit the current job or accept the new job. Actually I have other important factors which directed me to choose PTD as the top preference when I applied for government job particularly the PTD. Why? The answers are as below:-

1. I had a strong belief that PTD could provide better opportunities for career advancement and brighter prospects as compared to private sector;

2. Variety of working nature, different types of jobs and assignments in public sector;

3. Exposure to people from all walks of life and the opportunity to interact with different level of groups such as public servants, private companies' employees and the society;

4. Chances to further study with the costs are fully sponsored by the government;

5. I had a perception that a position in a government office actually comes with a "big power". Which I will be able to exercise that power to correct the weaknesses in the government administration systems especially on the issues concerning corruptions and misused the power for personal gains; and

6. Long term career stability.

My journey through PTD path started with big sacrifices. My monthly salary was reduced by RM1,000.00. It took almost two years for me to adjust my monthly expenditures. I lost seniority even though I had more than 4 years working experience but it was not counted in determining my starting salary as a new PTD. I earned RM1,733.59 a month excluding allowances and epf deduction. The net take home salary was around RM1,800.00. I also had to foregone some non-monetary benefits that I enjoyed with the former employer such as 17% epf, 4% housing loan, interest free computer loan, excellent medical and dental coverage and free internet account.

Nevertheless, I was convinced that I would achieve a great success in the government sector as long as I work hard, committed and sincere to serve the nation and of course I have to be an excellent PTD officer all the time.

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

Sample of PTD Assessment's (PAC) Group Tasking

Below is one of the sample of a case that have been assigned to PTD aspirants during the PAC test.

THE OLD MAN, THE GIRL AND THE SAILOR

In a faraway place one day, a ship sank in a storm. Five survivors scrambled aboard two life boats: a sailor, a yong woman and an old man in one boat; the young woman's fiance and his best friend in the second.

As the storm continued, two boats became separated. The first boat washed ashore on an island and was wrecked. The young woman searched in vain all day for the other boat or any sign of her fiance.

The next day, the weather cleared and she still could not locate her fiance. In the distance she could see another island. Hoping to find her fiance there, she begged the sailor to repair the boat and row her to the other island. He agreed to do so on condition that she sleep with him that night.

Distraught, she went to the old man for advice. "I can not tell you that is right or wrong for you". he said. "Look into your heart and follow it". Confused but desperate she agreed to the sailor's condition.

Next morning the sailor mended the boat and rowed her to the island. Jumping out of the boat, she ran up to the beach into the arm of her fiance. Then she decided to tell him about the previous night. In a rage, he pushed her away and said. "Get away from me! I don't want to see you again!" Weeping, she started to walk slowly down the beach.

Seeing her thus, the best friend went to her. put his arms around her and said. "I can tell you two have had an argument. I'll try to patch it up. but in the meantime I'll take care of you".

You are asked to evaluate the behaviour of the five people in the story. First, do this individually. before you discuss the story with others. Write the names of the people in the left hand column below, in order of how moral or immoral you think their actions were:

Your Evaluation Group Evaluation
1. (Most moral)............................ ................................................
2. ................................................ ................................................
3. ................................................ ................................................
4. ................................................ ................................................
5. (Least moral)........................... ................................................

Now, agree with other group members an overall ranking giving evaluations of the group as a whole. and write this in the column on the right. If this proved difficult try to understand why this might be so.

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

PTD Job Vacancy: Administration and Diplomatic Service (Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik)

Link to Public Service Commission of Malaysia website (Pautan ke laman sesawang Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia)

http://www.spa.gov.my

PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant / Pegawai Tadbir danDiplomatik

PENGUMUMAN / ANNOUNCEMENT: All information about PTD in one page, visit PTD Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik / Administration and Diplomatic Officer page.

24 December 2012

While you are reading this blog, let me guess that you are keen to become a PTD or to the least wanted to gather some information about PTD. There are many websites and official sources written about the history and background of PTD. So, I am not going to touch on it or re-write about it. Here will be more informal things about PTD which are based on my personal experiences, feelings, touches, observations, dealings, lives, works, conversations and bla bla bla with this special species....

Becoming A PTD

At present time, PTD is among the most sought after post in the market. There are as high as 50,000 applicants applied for PTD every year. Those applicants come from almost all academic qualifications and multi disciplines working experiences except for Medical (due to bound by contract to serve as doctors). Some are even go extra sacrifices quitting jobs that earning much better than a PTD. Why? Because of perceptions that PTD is an elite and glamour post. However, it might not be true as some are seeking a more stable long term career and wanted to serve the nation!

Out of more than 50k PTD aspirants, only a handful succeeded and accepted as PTD. On average the Government through the Civil Service Commission or known as Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA) recruits between 300 to 500 PTDs per intake a year. If there are two intakes, the figures could be double in that paricular year. By simple mathematic, the chances of being selected as PTD is a mere 1% (500/50,000)! That's why there is a say that those who are selected as PTDs are considered as the 'cream of the cream'.

Does your academic qualification serves you as the ticket to be a PTD? The answer is 'NO'. But it may provide a bigger chance for you to be called to the selection processes. That's it! Irregardless of your degree, masters or PhD, local graduate or overseas degree holder there is no guarantee that you will succeed of being considered a place in PTD. What make PTD as one of the most difficult job to get? Because of its recruitment processes! This is because PTD requires only those with high quality skills and right attitude that you will be able to shoulder high expectations and responsibilities of running and administering this beloved nation.

PTD's selection processes are very unique which each of the candidates must undergone three processes. They are Written Test, PAC (PTD Accessment Centre) and interview. For example, out of 50k applications, there may be only 30,000 being called for PTD examination, the best of 3,000 will then be selected to attend the PAC which is conducted at INTAN Training Centres nationwide. Finally, after passing the rigorous evaluations and tests, 800 to 1,000 candidates will be interviewed by a panel appointed by SPA. If you have (I mean possess) and meet all the qualities and criterias to become a PTD, you will then be given an offer letter for PTD!

PTD Application Process

Applying for PTD post is very convenient. It can even be done at home. No paper form needed to be filled. Just visit SPA's website at this address http://www.spa.gov.my and fill up the application form. Tips! In order to get a higher chance to be called for the first process (PTD written examination), do make sure that you select PTD as the first choice then only followed by other service scheme posts. Don't be too worried if your degree's CGPA is too low, who knows the luck is with you! Generally, the higher CGPA will get the better chance. It's normal in these days...

Usually after one month you will receive an acknowledgement letter from SPA that your application has been received. It's a thrill moment because the letter is marked as "URUSAN SERI PADUKA BAGINDA" and you will be nervously open the letter wondering what is inside the envelope.

What's next? You may have to wait for another letter from the Istana (URUSAN SERI PADUKA BAGINDA) again. If it comes, means you have been selected to sit for PTD Written Exam.

Exam! The toughest part of the PTD selection processes to pass through. Many get dissappointed at this stage. You don't believe it? Try ask around you friends, relatives and or those who are now PTDs. I would say, more than three quarter of them will vouch for my words! So, be prepared for it.

1. PTD Writing Examination

Before you continue, be warned that you will be in the Formula One race when you enter the examination hall. Means SPEED is of essence! You cannot drive at gear one, two or three. Otherwise, you will not cut the finishing line. There is no time for you to "relax relax" when answering the questions. It is a fast and furious thing. Though it may be multiple choice type questions, you will feel the heat, your heart will pump the blood to your brain non stop. Heart beat could be 200 per second! In short, time is not enough! (this test may uncover whether you have the agility which every PTD must possess it). You have been warned ya!!!

Nervous is the surest thing when it comes to examination. What more if you have had not taken or sat for any written test for a quite some time. Bear in mind that, I myself personally admit that PTD exam was the most difficult test I have ever had. There is no a single text or reference book that can be of help if you were looking for one as the only your reading material!

Updated on 28 Dec 2012...the story continues...

Okay..back to the most hated thing to do in life..'Exam'!

I hope my memory still serves me well. The exam is splitted into 2 parts. One is multiple choices and Two is Writing (Karangan la tu) in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. Be reminded, this is the first stage of filteration process. To be a PTD must be bilingual in BM and ENG. Other languages will be an added advantage. You will know why PTD has to be multi languages later in this write later.

Everything under the sky can be asked in the exam! Be it for example 'Which football team won the Malaysia Cup in 2012?', 'What was the theme of the 2012 Merdeka Day celebration?', When will Malaysia be hosting the Asian Economic Summit (AES Summit)?'.

As the general guides, the questions will be divided into several areas namely (but not limited to):-

About Malaysia
* History of Malaysia
* Malaysian government administrations
* ASEAN
* United Nations (PBB)
* Malaysia's international relations
* Parliament - Legislation, Executives and Judiciary
* Economic, Education, Social, Politics, Cultural, Defence & Security, Local Government etc.

Current Issues
* Domestic, regional and international issues

Attitude Test
* It's all about your attitude!

Thinking & IQ Test
* Mathematic, calculation test
* Logics test
* Critical thinking
* Decision making

Writing Test
* anything as above! But mostly about contemporary issues. How do you see the issues and suggesting the solutions to the problems. (This part, there is a catch! It will smell where your political inclination is! and it measures how radical is your perspectives i.e. on racial, language, religion, unity issues). Word of advices are ANSWER WITH MODERATION!

Public Speaking Test, this part may be conducted at this stage. But often it is done during the Second stage - PAC session. Just be aware!

Tips to overcome the exam challenges! Read, read, read everything and anything especially newspapers (BM & ENG) - Editorial articles, local & international news, business section, sport and a little bit about entertainment. Watch news on TV i.e. News, Budget tabling session, Parliament news and Forum. Have you heard about 1Malaysia, GTP, ETP, RMK10, PEMANDU, PEMUDAH, BCIC? If no, do some research about them ya!!!

There is a text book that can be of much help to know about Malaysia! Buy and read the text book on Pengajian Am. A compulsary subject of STPM level.

Good luck to you and wish you all the best in the PTD Exam! And you will have to wait for the result may be in 1 to 2 months. If you pass the exam, then you may continue reading my blog about becoming a PTD. What happen if you pass? It is not a guarantee that you will be called for the PAC. You must pass with an excellence result. PAC is meant for the first top 2,000 to 3,000 (the numbers depends on SPA's decision for that particular intake) who will be called for further challenging assessment.

.......cont' soon on PTD Assessment Centre :)

2. PTD Assessment Centre (PAC)

Updated on 5 January 2013...the story continues...

Firstly I would like to apologize for making the visitors of this page keep always refresh the browser hoping for latest update on the article. Being busy with my final exam and assignments lately until next week. Okay, I have around 15 minutes to write now.

Congratulations! If you are one of the thousands of PTD aspirants who have been called by SPA to attend the PAC at INTAN. Where is INTAN and what is INTAN?

INTAN is actually an abbreviation of Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara or National Institute of Public Administration. Further information can be assessed from http://www.intanbk.intan.my.

Passing the PTD Exam means you are very knowledgeable and abreast of latest information, news and developments. You are also considered, I would say smart, logical thinkers and have the ability to solve technical problems. And the most obvious fact that you should know is there are tens of thousands could not get the chance as what you have now. In a nutshell, only the best scorers are getting the invitation letter from the 'Seri Paduka Baginda'! You can check your exam result on SPA's website as well.

Those who still have not received the letter or get the search result with the word 'Dukacita....', don't be sad. It does not mean that you have failed! It means, more efforts are required from you. That's it and don't lose hope to try it again. Be sure to equip yourselves with better knowledge.

Ops..I have to go now..see you later!!!

Hello..just came back from attending a PTD officer wedding. Let's continue read about PAC.

What should you do if been called for PAC? First thing, start to build your stamina today! You will be asked to run several kilometers within a set of time. Couldn't remember how many kilometers and for how long. A PTD officer must be fit physically and has the endurance. Working long hours and has to go to the office on weekend is normal! If you think you are obese, too 'wide' or too thin, do something. It may not be a written rule but believe me, I have not bumped any new (I mean freshly employed PTD) who are too fat or too thin. Physical tests also will involve some 'mini games' like height jumping, long jumping, push up, heart beat counts etc. The activities is called "Ujian Kecerdasan Jasmani Kebangsaan or termed as UKJK". Do google for more information.

There will be a lot of activities carried out while you are at PAC. Participation is compulsory. Candidates will be participating in activities as a team member, a leader and also as an individual. Each activity will has one, two or more facilitators. A group of panel will also present. What are the role of facilitators and panel? The former is of course to facilitate a smooth running of the activities. While the latter are the ones who giving marks for each candidates! But, at PAC the evaluation of every candidate is '360 degree' because you will be observed 24 hours! In certain circumstances, a SPY could be planted among the participants! They could be friended with you and may suggest something naughty things to do....

Let's start with individual, teamwork and leadership evaluation. You may be grouped into a small number of people (between 5 - 10)...uaaarrgghhhh..i am sleepy! Can not write..see you later...

Updated on 9 January 2013...PTD journey continues..

The group will be given tasks or games which will require each member to do a role play like acting or to solve a problem or brainstorming the ideas or just a discussion. My piece of advice is you have to grab this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, problem solving capabilities and leadership personalities. A PTD is expected to speak with facts, rational and analytical. Thus, participation is inevitable.

My golden tips to attract a positive attention from the panel is try to speak with a soft voice, calm but audibly clear. Find the right time when to go in. For example, when the group 'pause' because of everybody has lost their points or ideas. Then you stand up presenting your constructive points and arguments or suggesting on how to fix the problems. You will look 'stand out' among the crowd!

Be the first to speak can be a great advantage. But do it with extra careful. If you do it right, that's a greatest point for you. But, if do it terribly, you may jeopardise your reputation during that session. While you are talking on something, if someone is trying to cut your words, give him or her a way to do so, then continue with your thoughts. Whatever you say, try to back it up with facts, reasonings and logics as well as examples. You may choose either to be a serious talker or casual talker. But not a joker!

However, do not go overboard like....continue later :)

Updated 17 January 2013...now I am on one month semester break. Got plenty of time to write. Hopefully, I'll finish up the guides to be a PTD by today.

Don't go overboard....I am extremely understand if you are eager and very excited to sell yourself so that the panel will notice you, but you have to be smart. Some people tend to show off their verbal articulation skills and knowledge. They talk and talk none stop to the extent other members do not have the opportunity to speak. Do not regard yourselves always right. Do not refrain yourselves from accepting critics. If you want to criticise, listen first then voice out your critics constructively. You also should not just sit in the room and shut your mouth. Although you maybe the type of 'introvert' or 'shy' but you should try to speak. I myself when I was the PAC facilitator have to cut short the time of some candidates who talked too much. I also did give equal chance to those who were sitting behind, so that everybody has got an equal opportunity to fulfill their dream of being a PTD. Remember, a PTD officer can not be a passenger. PTD is a leader. Wise leader!

One of the activities that always been conducted during the PAC is a 'Die or Live' situation (Survivor). For example, a plane crashed into the ocean. You and the other members are the survivors. There are several survivor kits available. But due to limitation of space, time or resources, you are given a list of kits and have to choose one of them. You have to justify why you choose a particular kit. Normally the number of kits is more than the number of survivors. Because of that the group has to decide which of them are the most critical/important to be brought along. That is the challenge. Once you have picked one, you have to explain and be firmed about why yours is important. If you want to compare the item between yours and the members have picked, try not to condemned other people's choice. Possibly you can complement each other's?

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the most feared thing to do. Correct or not? Especially, if you were asked to speak in a language that is not your mother tongue language. It will be more scary when you are standing in front of the people you do not know. You will be more nervous because whatever you say, the panel will evaluate you! Still want to pursue your dream or just give up the PTD? Continue reading...

At PAC, the candidate has to speak in front of a group of other candidates and of course in the presence of panel. In Bahasa Malaysia and in English. Topics of the talks maybe given earlier for example 1 day or 2 days before the session. That will be easier!

It may also become an impromptu public speaking! It's either you pick a roll of paper in a bowl which contains a number of pre-determined topics (the PAC secretariat may provide you with the list beforehand) or a totally out of the air topics! In this case, the panel may give you the topic for you to speak or you speak any topics of your choice. Tips, just take on the challenge. Speak and say anything you know. Try not to look at notes or script. Memorising could be helpful but you know what the danger is..FORGOT!

The above is the individual public speaking. In quite recent years, a new mode of public speaking has been introduced but very interesting. The Parliament style debate. It is actually similar to the debate when you were at school time. A topic given, and your group become either the supporter or the opposition. What makes it interesting is the proceeding of the debate is conducted exactly like in a Parliament. You have the Government side and you have the Opposition and the Speaker of the House. There is no jury to select the winner but the panel will watch their eyes on you! So, to become a PTD, you are strongly advised to like (I mean) to watch the Parliament Program on TV. If you are still a school or university student and wish to apply for PTD, a visit to Parliament is a recommended activity to plan from now.

3. Interview

Are you the best of the best? Halfway yes. If you passed the PAC test, that means you are fit to become a PTD. Your probability has jumped from a mere 1% to 50%! However there is still one formality SPA must comply before hiring you.

You are now one step away from the prestigious post PTD! The last hurdle to go through is The Interview! Read PTD Interview Tips & Interview Questions here.

In this part, my story will be short as there are many resources you can get on how to succeed in an interview.

Tips: At this stage, before going for interview, look at yourself in the mirror. Do your dress, hair stye, body posture, facial expression etc look like a PTD officer? Try to observe on TV, especially personalities who work as Civil Servants such as the Chief Secretary of the Government, Secretary Generals, Director Generals and other top government officials. Try emulate them on how they present themselves in public. Generally, civil servants do share the same stereotype external presentation, be it our Malaysian civil servants or foreign countries' public officials. What is that? No words I can explain!

Questions to be asked? No specific tips! You can google it :)

There you go! I wish you a very very very best of luck. Whatever you do, do it with the best effort possible. Because PTD is the backbone of the Government Administration. You shoulder a very heavy responsibility in carrying out noble duties to serve the people and the nation. Do remember, you salary comes from people who pay taxes. People have every right to question us what we spend, how we spend, to whom we spend their money. Serve with sincerity is the key to success.

DO NOT ACCEPT BRIBE, DO NOT BRIBE! GOD WILL SAVE YOU AND OUR COUNTRY...

Are you the only one who wants to be a PTD? What about your brothers, sisters, friends, children? They might also want to be a PTD. Please help them by sharing this article with them on , or maybe you want to .

You have any enquiries about PTD? Feel free to leave your comments here. I'll try my best to answer all the questions A.S.A.P.

PTD dan Parlimen

Semasa saya di sekolah dan universiti dulu, saya selalu tertanya-tanya macam mana Menteri boleh tahu semua perkara dan mampu menjawab serta berbahas di dalam Parlimen. Tersangatlah kagum saya dengan orang politik yang tahu semua benda.

Anda nak tahu apa rahsia Menteri kita boleh tahu semua perkara? Jawapannya adalah kebanyakannya jawapan disediakan oleh pegawai kerajaan. Pegawai kerajaan itu adalah tidak lain tidak bukan adalah PTD serta pegawai-pegawai dari perkhidmatan lain.

Pertama kali saya masuk bangunan Parlimen ialah semasa saya bergelar seorang PTD junior. Tugas saya masa itu ialah mendengar perbahasan ahli-ahli parlimen dan mencatat perkara-perkara atau isu-isu yang dibangkitkan oleh ahli parlimen yang menyentuh kementerian saya.

Selesai bertugas, saya akan sediakan laporan dan serahkan kepada unit bertanggungjawab sebelum sesi parlimen keesokan harinya bermula. Unit berkenaan akan tentukan jabatan/bahagian yang perlu sediakan maklumbalas segera (sediakan jawapan la tu).

Setiapkali Menteri membahaskan sesuatu perkara, input-input perbahasan disediakan oleh pegawai PTD. Terserah kepada Menteri bagaimana menyampaikannya di dalam dewan parlimen.

Antara saat yang paling mencabar, meresahkan, tekanan tinggi ditambah lagi dengan tuntutan keperluan "on-the-spot" ialah semasa sesi soal jawab dan perbahasan penggulungan oleh Menteri.

Ini kerana, ketika inilah akan ada soalan-soalan tambahan kepada Menteri daripada ahli parlimen. Yang membuatkan ianya mencabar adalah soalan tersebut perlu dijawab serta-merta oleh Menteri. Jadi, apa lagi pegawai PTD ketika itu berhempas-pulas lah menulis jawapan dalam masa dua tiga minit. Telefon masa itu, aset yang sangat berharga. Mana-mana jawapan yang PTD tak tahu, terpaksalah telefon bos, pegawai lain atau kawan-kawan PTD lain.

Kerja sebegini amat "bertekanan tinggi" tetapi kepuasan dia memang tidak boleh digambarkan apabila Menteri menjawab seperti yang kita tulis ditambah lagi dengan gaya olahan Menteri yang menampakkan jawapan kita itu sempurna!

Berminat nak jadi PTD? Lawat http://www.spa.gov.my

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

PTD Penggubal Dasar Negara

Tugas seorang PTD tidak hanya terhad sebagai pegawai tadbir di unit, cawangan, bahagian, kementerian, jabatan di peringkat Persekutuan atau Negeri.

Pegawai PTD merupakan tunggak kepercayaan kerajaan. PTD merancang, merangka dan menggubal dasar-dasar negara. Hampir kesemua dasar melibatkan pembangunan negara, ekonomi, sosial, hubungan luar negara, keselamatan, pertahanan, pendidikan, masyarakat, luar bandar, perdagangan, tanah, kesihatan, kebudayaan, pelancongan, perundangan (senarai amat panjang) akan melibatkan sentuhan tangan dan fikiran PTD sama ada secara langsung atau membuat penambahan kepada rangka dasar yang disediakan oleh perkhidmatan awam yang lain.

Keistimewaan ini hanya dipunyai oleh PTD kerana jangkaan tinggi bahawa PTD melihat sesuatu isu atau penyelesaian dalam skop yang menyeluruh dari sudut fungsi menegak atau melintang. PTD memberi pertimbangan kesesuaian pelaksanaan sesuatu dasar dan juga impak positif serta negatif kepada masyarakat, ekonomi dan negara.

Oleh kerana PTD berada di semua tempat dan peringkat di dalam sistem pentadbiran negeri dan negara, tugas menggubal dasar merupakan amanah besar kepada seseorang yang bergelar PTD.

Jika PTD itu mempunyai kualiti, maka berkualitilah sesuatu dasar negara. Begitu juga jika PTD itu tidak melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik, alamatnya bencanalah kepada masa depan negara.

Oleh itu, untuk memenuhi tanggungjawab sebagai penggubal polisi negara, PTD wajib mempunyai ciri-ciri berikut:-

1. Berfikiran luas dan global.
2. Berpandangan jauh.
3. Setia kepada negara.
4. Peka kepada sekeliling.

Berminat untuk menyumbang bakti kepada negara? Sertai PTD dengan melayari laman sesawang SPA http://www.spa.gov.my

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

8 Bidang Utama / Pengkhususan PTD

PENGUMUMAN / ANNOUNCEMENT: All information about PTD in one page, visit PTD Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik / Administration and Diplomatic Officer page.

Ramai orang kata jadi Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik atau PTD banyak kelebihannya. Pandangan ini mempunyai banyak kebenarannya. PTD mempunyai peluang kenaikan pangkat yang lebih besar, PTD memegang jawatan tinggi di Kementerian dan Jabatan, PTD melapor terus kepada Perdana Menteri, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Menteri Besar, Menteri-Menteri Kabinet dan pembesar negara, PTD berpeluang ke luar negara, PTD merangka dasar-dasar negara, dan macam-macamlah mengenai PTD.

Kenapa PTD begitu berprestij? Sebab PTD bertanggungjawab ke atas hampir semua mengenai pentadbiran negara. Ada 8 bidang utama yang PTD buat iaitu:

1. Pengurusan Sumber Manusia dan Pembangunan Organisasi
2. Pengurusan Kewangan
3. Pengurusan Ekonomi
4. Pengurusan Keselamatan dan Pertahanan
5. Pengurusan Hubungan Antarabangsa dan Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri
6. Pengurusan Pentadbiran dan Pembangunan Wilayah / Perbandaran / Tanah / Daerah
7. Pengurusan Sosial dan Infrastruktur
8. Pengurusan Sains dan Teknologi Maklumat

Bagi graduan-graduan dan mereka yang berminat nak memasuki perkhidmatan awam kerana hendak menyumbang bakti kepada negara, PTD menawarkan peluang keemasan ini.

Lawati laman web Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam untuk memohon secara online.

Hendak jadi PTD kan? Uji kefahaman Bahasa Inggeris anda dengan membaca Artikel di bawah.

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant and PTD Interview Tips

Kenapa Saya Memilih PTD Sebagai Kerjaya?

Oleh: Wan Mohammed Saupee bin Wan Yusoff

Semasa mula-mula memasuki alam pekerjaan (pada April, 1998) saya memilih untuk bekerja di syarikat swasta. Walau bagaimanapun, matlamat kerja akhir saya ialah menjadi kakitangan kerajaan sekurang-kurangnya bermula pada umur 35 tahun. Namun, tawaran jawatan Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD) datang lebih awal (pada Disember 2002, umur 28 tahun) dan saya berkeputusan untuk menerima tawaran ini di atas pertimbangan-pertimbangan berikut:-

1. Saya percaya PTD menawarkan peluang kemajuan kerjaya yang lebih cerah dan besar berbanding sektor swasta.

2. Kepelbagaian sifat dan jenis kerja atau tugasan di sektor awam.

3. Berpeluang bergaul dengan semua orang dari kakitangan awam, swasta dan masyarakat.

4. Berpeluang melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi dan
ditanggung oleh kerajaan.

5. Kepercayaan bahawa jawatan di dalam kerajaan mempunyai kuasa yang besar yang akan digunakan untuk memperbaiki kelemahan-kelemahan yang ada dalam sistem pentadbiran awam terutama penyalahgunaan kuasa dan pecah amanah.

6. Kestabilan kerjaya dalam jangka panjang.

Berdasarkan kepada pertimbangan-pertimbangan di atas, saya telah meletak jawatan yang dipegang di syarikat swasta untuk menjadi PTD walaupun terpaksa mengorbankan gaji, senioriti dan faedah-faedah yang saya sedang nikmati pada masa itu. Walau bagaimanapun, saya tetap yakin bahawa saya akan berjaya suatu hari kelak dengan usaha dan komitmen saya untuk menjadi pegawai PTD yang cemerlang dan unggul demi agama, bangsa dan negara.

* Penulis menulis artikel ini pada tahun 2003 sebagai tugasan untuk majalah Sidang A & B semasa berkursus DPA di Intan, Bukit Kiara. Intipati artikel adalah berdasarkan nota ringkas saya semasa berkursus PTD Unggul di Intan, Kluang, Johor pada Januari 2003.

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant

A NEW BREED OF CIVIL SERVANTS

AT YOUR SERVICE (The Star, 14 August 2010)
By DATUK SERI DR MOHD NASIR MOHD ASHRAF,
Ministry of Health Secretary-General

The Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) is expected to lead the way in ensuring that civil servants are not only administrators but managers, specialists, professionals and technocrats.

SINCE Independence, the Malaysian public service has assumed a multitude of roles in meeting the needs and expectations of the public and other stakeholders in the country.

Over the years, it has been credited for playing a key role in Malaysia’s development and modernisation and recognised as one of the best in the region.

In its efforts to meet the expectations of the National Vision Policy, New Economic Model (NEM) and 1Malaysia, the Malaysian public service will continue to redefine itself.

Through various guiding principles or mantras such as “No Wrong Door Policy”, “Business is not as Usual” and the creation of PEMUDAH for improving the public service delivery system by reducing bureaucratic obstacles and providing productive, creative and innovative services, it aspires to become a strong partner with different sectors of the economy in creating wealth for the nation.

The Public Service Department (PSD), being the torchbearer of the public service, has been pragmatically evolving with time and demands. The PSD has and continues to strategically reposition the public service machinery to ensure government policies are implemented effectively.

This task is shouldered by civil servants who are experts in their respective fields. They are innovators and creators who can think and perform well. The challenge is for the PSD to constantly upgrade its human capital by recruiting the best people while training and retraining them into experts.

For the NEM to be successful, the PSD has to work hand in hand with the private sector and the community. The PSD has to facilitate the working of the NEM and to ensure the civil service possesses the right attributes with the relevant knowledge and skills.

The role of the Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) officers in the civil service has also evolved and changed dramatically to meet these radical new developments in the country’s landscape. Some of these new developments can be attributed to the following:

The increasing technocratic skills and professionalism of political leaders;

The development of more complex socio-economic and political challenges in managing the country;

The increasing demand by the public for greater transparency and accountability;

The increasing and expanding scope of the government’s involvement and activities, and

The changing landscape of the administrative system with a widening range of functions of the civil service.

The role and size of the Government has expanded rapidly in the last 50 years after Independence, leading to a rapid expansion of the civil service and the PTD, in particular. Today, the Government recruits about 400 officers annually into the PTD and the total strength is approximately 8,000-strong.

The challenge now is to ensure quality and that these new recruits are up to the mark. This is important in order to strengthen the PTD which is the backbone of the civil service. Recent developments in the recruitment of PTD have indeed moved in that direction where entry into the PTD now requires applicants to go through a written test and stringent assessment process with only those who have good leadership potential selected.

With the policy on right-sizing the public sector, the Government may review the number of PTD being recruited. We may see some of the less complex functions of management within the Government, better served by more experienced but academically less qualified personnel.

Recruitment into the PTD will be conducted on a much more selective and competitive basis. The time has come to give preference to the best graduates who are first class honours or 2nd class upper honours graduates and particularly those with academic disciplines which carry greater relevance to the challenges of complex modern management in the public sector.

The PTD scheme of service should cater to a wider range of academic disciplines such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, system analysts, town planners, accountants, and financial analysts.

The time has come for the PTD to do away with generalists. The PTD scheme of service should provide for them to become specialists amongst others in personnel management, finance, business administration, economics and trade as well as land administration.

PTD training has to be developed along more specialised and professional paths with emphasis on modern management. PTD officers need to be grounded and exposed more to economics, finance, business management and information technology, in keeping with the latest techniques and complexities in modern management.

The new breed of PTD officers will be IT savvy, forward looking and forward thinking, as well as good in engaging and networking.
To further meet the challenges of a globalised environment, the new breed of PTD officers have to be broadminded to think and act in a global context; able to respond quickly as well as being multi-lingual.

The Prime Minister has mooted the idea of having a cross-fertilisation programme and giving priority to those who have shown diligence, are capable and have performed well in their respective departments or ministries to further enhance the public service, particularly the PTD.

We will also see greater cross-posting of officers to agencies outside Malaysia to further expose future leaders to international affairs and gain a wide global perspective.
However, we should not forget where PTD has done well in the past. There will be re-emphasis on the very strong traditional values of service to the country and the professional pride that have been the hallmark of the Malaysia Public Service and the PTD.

In conclusion, for PTD officers to remain relevant and current they must benchmark not only against the best in the region but the rest of the world as well. At the same time, we need to self-appraise continually and to be constantly reminded of our calling to serve the rakyat and the significance of being in the elitist branch of the civil service.

Besides being the President of the Administrative & Diplomatic Service Association, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Nasir Mohd Ashraf is also the secretary-general of the Health Ministry.

EXCLUSIVE:  Most of the readers will not miss to read the article below. A very insightful words written by a PTD on How to become a PTD, How a PTD thinks, speaks, teamwork, leads and handling the pressures. A must read if you are interested in becoming a respectable PTD!

PTD aspirants WAJIB/MUST read this PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant