I understand that Pak Lah is contemplating a major reform of the civil service. Well, if my experience is anything to go by, he should begin immediately.

Recently I went to the social welfare department's head office at Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur with all the necessary papers to apply for a replacement disability card mine was lost.

The lady who processed my case told me placidly that it would be more than two months before I could get a replacement. When I voiced my astonishment at the time frame set for completing something so simple and uncomplicated she said indifferently that 'there were no fast lanes at her office'.

Actually, I was registered as permanently disabled on the Oct 27, 2000 but apparently the department had mislaid the file containing my documents including my medical report (I was required to be re-examined by a panel doctor).

In my frustration, I complained to the public complaints bureau but the senior officer who took my call did not think the two-month time frame set by the social welfare department was unusual.

In fact, he said it would take him several weeks to create a file for my complaint and to communicate with the welfare department to enquire into my case!

As a taxpayer until my retirement six years ago and as a regular blood donor since 1968, I am deeply disappointed with the treatment I am getting from government departments.