Deep System: More Transparent, Objective Performance Evaluation - Expert

By Muhammad Saufee Rosman & Muhamad Amir Aiman Azlan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Demerit Performance Evaluation (DEEP) System, set to launch this year, offers a precise, transparent and objective method for evaluating the performance of civil servants.

Universiti Teknologi Mara, Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies senior lecturer Dr Mazlan Che Soh, emphasised the need to transition from the current performance evaluation system for civil servants to this new method, citing its enhanced transparency.

Mazlan, an expert in public administration and current politics, said the DEEP system is anticipated to boost the efficiency of civil servants in fulfilling their duties by safeguarding their Key Performance Indicator (KPI) scores from compromise.

“Through DEEP, civil servants will undergo a fair evaluation process, unlike the current subjective system where assessing officers often provide arbitrary scores to their subordinates," he said.

“ ...civil servants will initially receive a full 100 per cent score, with demerits assigned if they fall short of meeting specific objectives or the set Annual Work Targets (SKT) " he said when contacted by Bernama

While supporting the implementation of the DEEP system, Mazlan stressed the importance of providing comprehensive training and detailed information about the demerit system to all civil servants involved in assessing or being evaluated for job performance within the DEEP framework.

Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali announced that all civil servants would be evaluated using DEEP starting this year, and the implementation of the system has been endorsed by the Public Service Department (JPA).

Mohd Zuki emphasised that the DEEP system is not meant to punish any party but to ensure the evaluation system remains relevant.

Meanwhile, National Professors Council (MPN), Governance, Legal and Management Cluster head Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood, emphasised the importance of implementing DEEP fairly and transparently to ensure every civil servant has equal opportunities for career advancement within their service.

"The advantage here is that civil servants will strive to avoid mistakes to prevent deductions in their scores and to fulfill their duties effectively.

"It's crucial that the deducted marks clearly specify the actions leading to demerits, ensuring fairness to all civil servants," he said.

He emphasised the significant contribution of both uniformed personnel and civilian staff in carrying out decisions, implementing formulas, managing expenditures and budgets sanctioned by Parliament.

“They serve as intermediaries, facilitating the smooth execution of governmental functions and policies,” he said.

-- BERNAMA