It is a fact that no one – really, no one - in the public space believes in the many statements and comments made by the nation’s leadership. The reason is that there is a huge chasm and divide between political rhetoric, spin and reality.

Add this to the daily controversies, scandals and ‘twist and turns’ we have been having – who really believes what anymore?

And for that matter who really cares to take seriously the many statements and comments that keep coming from all and sundry?

So I will take with a huge spoon of salt the recent comments that the health ministry has set up a 'Tack Force To Enhance Performance' as part of its efforts to reduce complaints from the public.

This despite the so called ‘task force’ being chaired by health ministry’s deputy secretary-general that has high hopes of ‘evaluating’ the level of corporate values among staff involving the three main elements of caring, professionalism and teamwork.

First of all, these principles (like all other principles) are noble but in reality how do we entrench and practice them in an atmosphere where personal and political agendas, racism and politics have taken root and control all our actions, reactions and even inactions for that matter?

I have been in the circuit of public policy initiatives, dispute-redress mechanism and consumer advocacy for more than three decades and believe me a large part of that was spent addressing public complaints in various government agencies and the MOH.

Thus it is enough to know that while I welcome the statement, I humbly maintain that it takes more than just a political statement to get things and initiatives moving so that there will be real values practiced, restored dedication displayed and a commitment towards excellence sparked.

Professionalism and drive being the hallmark of the nation’s government agencies will result in a delivery system that is entrenched in true professionalism not politics, racism and petty quarrels under the dark thick cloud of corruption.

The writer is president Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor.