The fact that he was appointed on temporary secondment basis will not prevent the new director-general of Immigration Mustafar Ali to give his full commitment in leading the Immigration Department towards excellence.

Mustafar, who began his official duties at the department today, said the appointment came with responsibilities and trust to ensure the continuity of the department’s transformation.

“That’s the fact. It was written in the (appointment) letter that it is on temporary secondment basis. But, I will give my full commitment to it and have discussed the need for follow-ups to ensure that the department will continue to excel,” he said.

Last Friday, chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa announced the appointment of Mustafar, who is formerly Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy commissioner (prevention), as the new Immigration director-general in place of Sakib Kusmi effective today.

Mustafar, who was met at the department’s Aidilfitri function today, said among his first tasks were to improve the department’s customer service to meet the demands and hopes of the people.

He said the customer service delivery need not be static, but instead should always strive for excellence based on the principle that ‘business is not as usual’.

Mustafar said input and suggestions from the public were among the strengths to ensure improvement of the customer service delivery.

“I also view human resources as the assets of the department because they are the implementers of the system and the procedures. We want to take our assets to greater heights through improvements and integrity,” he said.

Mustafar said he had met with the department’s top management yesterday, and the depatment’s union earlier today, to look into all the proactive actions to be undertaken.

He said he would also continue coordinating and continue implementing the Immigration transformation plan based on the 5K concept - Kefahaman (Understanding), Kesedaran (Awareness), Keinsafan (Cognisance), Keikhlasan (Sincerity) and Keberhasilan (Fruitfulness).

- Bernama