NOBODY has described some of the Malaysian civil servants as aptly as Parkinson when he said, “Work expands to fill the time and resources available for its completion.”

Ever since the Education Ministry took steps to create more teaching positions, paperwork and red tape have also increased proportionately. Work has to be created to justify the positions created.

When I was a schoolteacher in the 80s, the job of a teacher was to teach and nothing else.

Today, teachers have to spend more time writing reports, attending meetings and courses than actually reaching.

In order to prove Parkinson right, I wish to draw your attention to Lampiran 1, Borong MM/SMM/06.

The form is given to each parent the day his child is admitted to school and yearly after that, and which must be completed and returned to the school.

I have no idea what purpose the form serves except to fill up space.

The form tries to extricate sensitive information such as income of parents.

On top of that, parents are required to submit copies of their identity card, Form J from the Inland Revenue Board or salary slip to back up the declaration.

Such information are unnecessary, may be leaked or misused for bogus loans.

Learn from the immigration department or the board.

They have great ways of getting rid of red tape.

JURRASIC PARK,

Puchong, Selangor.

Source: The Star – March 3, 2008