PETALING JAYA: The government is expected to reintroduce three old systems to reduce bureaucracy in government offices, says the Prime Minister.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he had discussed bringing back the desk file system, manual of procedure, and workflow chart with the Chief Secretary to the Government.

“We are aware of the excessive bureaucracy but without bureaucracy, nothing can work.

“We need bureaucracy, but the problem is there are too many processes.

“For example, to start a tour company in Langkawi you need permits from 20 offices. Many officers also don’t know their responsibilities,” he said, adding that the new systems will ensure each officer understands their role.

Dr Mahathir added that officers can follow the workflow chart and give the application to a higher-ranked official to check.

“If all is in order, the application can be approved,” Dr Mahathir said, adding that this would also speed up the application process.

The Chief Secretary is also working to produce information, such as in the form of booklets, for the public to understand the steps they need to take to get approval for their endeavours, Dr Mahathir said at a dialogue with civil servants at the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services’ (Cuepacs) launch of the MyCuepacsCare takaful programme on Monday (March 25).

Also present were Chief Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar and Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda.