I do enjoy finding reports of bureaucratic reform going on in other parts of the world.

Today it’s a story in the Sabah, Malaysia, Daily Express, and it’s rich with references to grassroots leadership, cultural change, and citizen involvement. Cogent excerpts:

The Government is doing its very best to cut down on bureaucracy and the time taken to process various applications from the public. Minister of Community Development & Consumer Affairs, Datuk Hjh Azizah Datuk Mohd Dun hoped that every department and agency will take heed of what the Government has already directed them to do in order to expedite processing of applications for assistance…

Earlier, in her address, Azizah said the passing of the 2004 Penal Code (PC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) Amendment Bills in July 2006 and their gazetting in September 2007 was a positive step taken by the Government to address serious crimes such as rape cum murder, and indecent body search.

“The move to update the two codes shows the Government’s sensitivity to society’s current needs,” she said…

Azizah said the Malay proverb Jaga Tepi Kain Orang (Minding other people’s affairs) is no longer acceptable in this day and age.

“We have to know what is happening to our neighbour’s kids, for example, so that they don’t become victims of violence. If we witness a crime but don’t bother about it, we are only condoning it and letting it happen again in future.”

Azizah was impressed with the presence of men at the seminar, saying it marked the beginning of a change of mindset…

“Previously, when I organised similar seminars on women’s rights, fathers were hardly visible.”

She also urged the MPWS Legal Committee to continue holding such seminar [sic] to reach out to more target groups.

“I am glad that they will also be visiting districts on the East Coast. We want to have informed grassroots leaders.”

I believe it’s getting close to the time to start mapping these stories, geographically as well as by types, strategies, and outcomes.

Peace.

Deborah Alicen