I REFER to the report “No extended lunch breaks, Duterte warns” (The Star, July 18) on the new Philippines president reminding his civil servants they are paid salaries from taxpayers’ money to work eight hours a day and that those who had the habit of extending their lunch breaks would face dismissal. To quote him: “The rationale of our job is, we are paid by the people to work eight hours a day – so if you refuse the people, you are not in your office... after lunch break you are in the malls, walking around... if that happens again, I will dismiss you.” The hard-hitting, no-nonsense new president did not mince his words when he gave this warning. Since he became president, he has taken to task those who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices and the drug trade. With their new chief executive, the Philippines hopefully should be on the right track. We sincerely hope he will achieve what he has set forth for the future of the Filipinos. We too should take a serious look at the same issue in our country. The little Napoleans in the civil service who are deadwood and lazing around should be hauled in and dealt with accordingly. There should not be any compromise on the delivery of service to the rakyat. Everyone is aware that our civil service is bloated and the quality of delivery is wanting. It is time for a lean but mean machine to deliver to the rakyat. It is time to do this to achieve our aspirations in 2020!

DATUK WEE BENG GEE

Petaling Jaya

Source: The Star Online