Stop debate on BTN, I will decide, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants all quarters, including ministers not to prolong the polemics on the National Civics Bureau (BTN).

He said he himself would evaluate BTN’s training modules and arrive at a decision on them later.

“All quarters have given their views or opinions (on the BTN). All kinds of opinions have been voiced, I think it is enough,” he told reporters after opening the Pekan Resource Centre here today.

He said this when asked to comment on the differing views on the subject from ministers, deputy ministers and also from former prime Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

“Give me a chance to evaluate the BTN modules together with the bureau’s officers and the government will take the necessary decisions to ensure its courses are in line with government policies,” said Najib.

Asked about his personal views on the BTN courses, Najib did not dismiss the possibility that the modules might have to be reviewed so that they were more suited to today’s demands.

“I want to know what are the contents of the (training) modules and secondly, I want to see if the courses are in tune with the times. Maybe, some of the contents were suited to a specific time period and when times change, the demands change likewise.

“As such, whether the BTN courses are keeping abreast of the changes taking place has to be looked into. Even school curricula cannot be static, they must change according to the times. Our training courses must at all times be dynamic and relevant,” he said.

Najib stressed that should any changes be made to the modules, it did not mean that he was rejecting what had done by the BTN before this.

“We appreciate what has been done by the BTN but when the environment around us changes, we have to ensure the contents (of the modules) are suited to the new and changed era,” said Najib.

As to when he would make a decision on the type of modules to be used, Najib said he would be meeting BTN officials after returning from his overseas trip.

On the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) review for ministers tomorrow, Najib said it was to fine tune its contents especially in relation to the six National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) that he had announced.

“This shows the approach taken by the government in using NKRAs and KPIs are not mere political rhetoric or empty talk, we are truly serious and committed.

“Despite it being a Sunday tomorrow, we will still be working. It goes to show that the government’s committment is very high in using these approaches to produce results,” he said.

Asked what would happen if there were ministers who were not up to the mark, Najib said: “There is still time for performance improvement and even if I do not reprimand, the people will.”


comments

Since BTN is good for the government servants and some selected sectors, it is recommended that all Malaysians should be given a chance to learn it.

Of course, it is impossible for each and every Malaysian to attend the course. The simplest way is to live televise the classes. In this case the government and the public will be able to know whether the contents of the courses have been properly conducted by the officers concerned. It is also to ensure that no personal racist comments will be added by the officers concerned.