Cultivating a good work attitude

THERE was a recent article in a social news site about a JPJ officer on counter duty who allegedly refused to entertain the customer but was instead busy on his phone.

The behaviour of the officer was obviously unbecoming and he should be subjected to stern action.

An employee is expected to carry out his work with honesty for the benefit of the employer. It is his moral obligation to safeguard the trust placed in him by the employer and he must not betray that trust by being inefficient, complacent or incompetent, nor should he give in to his selfish needs like being greedy, unscrupulous and unproductive, among others.

Good values and ethical practices must be an integral part of an employee, more so among those engaged in the public sector, as ethical values and effectiveness in the job are interlinked criteria in the civil service.

Islam insists that Muslim workers should perform their responsibilities with honesty, trust and commitment. It is their duty to fulfil the trust placed in them. The hearts of true believers are the repositories of the quality of amanah, or trust. Hence, the duties and responsibilities vested upon them ought to be discharged with honesty, sincerity and diligence.

The public has the right to approach any and every officer of the state whatever his rank, without hindrance, and submit their complaints and demand satisfaction.

Undeniably, inefficiency and lack of responsibility at work is a clear violation of the public service regulations and may warrant necessary disciplinary actions. This may include dismissal from employment after an appropriate inquiry.

In short, the concept of amanah or trustworthiness, which implies honesty, compassion, responsibility and accountability, is the basic attitude and approach towards work.

PROF DATUK SERI DR ASHGAR ALI ALI MOHAMED

International Islamic University Malaysia

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2022/07/14/cultivating-a-good-work-attitude