Are Calls for Neutrality Falling on Deaf Ears? (General post)

 

This is A Closer Look at Government Staff Conduct Originally posted on LINK

On July 3, 2025, the Daily Express published an article titled, "Be neutral when carrying out duties, government staff told". In it, the Chief Minister (CM) urged civil servants and officers of statutory bodies to uphold neutrality and professionalism in their roles. These remarks, while well-intentioned, raise questions about their impact. Are these directives genuinely shaping the behavior of government staff, or are they merely rhetorical statements meant for public consumption? 

Neutrality ensures that policies are implemented fairly and citizens are treated with respect, regardless of their background or affiliations. This is particularly critical in a diverse society like ours, where trust in public institutions hinges on the perception of fairness and accountability. However, the reality on the ground often tells a different story. Many citizens, myself included, have observed that some civil servants and officers in statutory bodies behave like "Little Napoleons"—a term used to describe officials who wield their authority with arrogance, inefficiency, or bias, disregarding the very principles of neutrality championed by our leaders. These individuals seem to operate as if the CM’s directives are mere suggestions, not mandates to be followed.

Dismissive attitudes toward citizens seeking assistance not only frustrate the public but also erode confidence in governance as a whole. There is a disconnect between high-level directives and their implementation at the grassroots level. Why does this gap persist? Why the Disconnect? While the CM and Governor can issue calls for neutrality, without robust systems to monitor and enforce compliance, these directives risk becoming hollow. Public feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure accountability but are often underutilized or inconsistently applied.

Some officials may view their roles as positions of power rather than service, leading to the "Little Napoleon" mindset.

Citizens begin to question whether leaders’ statements are genuine or merely for show—a sentiment echoed in my original post. Disciplinary measures for those acting as "Little Napoleons" should be clear and consistent.

The CM and Governor’s call for neutrality is a step in the right direction, but words alone are not enough. For these directives to translate into meaningful change, they must be backed by systemic reforms, accountability, and a commitment to addressing the "Little Napoleon" mentality head-on. Until then, the public’s skepticism will persist, and statements like these, risk being seen as little more than rhetoric for public consumption.