The Union Congress of Public Service Employees (Cuepacs) described the existence of ‘Little Napoleons’ in the public service as not being too serious to affect the delivery of services to the people.
Its president, Datuk Adnan Mat said, this is because the public service administration system over time has experienced a good and comprehensive improvement through the transformation implemented by the government.
Little Napoleon refers to a subordinate civil servant who is in a certain position but acts as if he is as powerful as an official who is at the highest level.
“In general, every civil servant is subject to the General Order whose implementation is detailed through circulars and improved over time so that the quality of service always meets the needs of stakeholders, especially the people.
“However, of course, when it comes to large organizations such as the public service, there are a small number of civil servants who have little power that stray from their path,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the Negeri Sembilan Level Endowment Month 2023 here, on Friday.
However, Adnan said, it does not reflect the overall image of the public service because it is mostly just a perception following previous cases which have resulted in this being seen as if it is still happening widely including through social media.
Therefore, he said, department heads in each agency and department need to be strict in addition to giving emphasis to each subordinate officer to respect work processes and procedures.
“The nature of selecting certain officers is also inappropriate because it can cause those selected to feel ‘invulnerable’ and their instructions are higher than the established work procedures,” he said.
He said, every department also needs to be ready to receive complaints or views from subordinate staff to ensure that Little Napoleon symptoms do not spread.
