No Longer a Need for Runners

The Star, 1 March, 2008.

PUTRAJAYA: The openness of the civil service and its commitment in eliminate collaborating with the private sector is Pemudah's biggest achievement since its conception last year. 

Citing an example on the efficacy of the civil service, Pemudah co-chairman Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon said there was now no longer a need for the use of “runners” in businesses. 

“In the past, runners were used because of time and discretion. However, since the process has been shortened, there is no need for them. This is an important achievement,” he told a press conference for the release of Pemudah's first annual report here yesterday. 

Yong is the president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. 

He said Pemudah was also looking at improving the quality of life to attract investors. 

He said this was because the competitiveness of a country was not only the ranking and cost of inputs. 

“Apart from the business aspect, Malaysia must be a good place to live for investors. Of course, it will also be a good place to live for the citizens of the country,” he said. 

Yong added that the focus was now placed on local authorities, being the frontline of interaction with citizens.