The public delivery system is not performing as well as it should, a deputy minister has acknowledged, although he was quick to defend the work ethic of the majority of civil servants.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Suliman stressed that a "very small' number of civil servants have given the civil service a bad name.

"The whole system is criticised because of these few rotten apples who do not perform well," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong) who asked the government to compare the attitude of civil servants today and during the British colonial administration.

Wan Junaidi also asked why the political leadership goes into a state of denial whenever there is criticism of the government, and about follow-up action.

Abdul Rahman explained that the public delivery system has evolved since colonial days, and that attitudes have had to be changed as well.

"The government's efforts to modernise the public sector has not just focused on the system and work procedures, but also on quality and the work ethic," he said.

"All government officers, from management level to support level, are taught a responsive working culture. They are required to undergo seven to 10 days of training every year (to upgrade competence)."

Abdul Rahman claimed that the government is always ready to accept constructive criticism from the public.

"This is used as input to upgrade and restructure the relevant government agencies or departments," he said.

In addition, the government introduced a 'help desk' system in July for users of public services to submit complaints about any government agency or department that does not assist them.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) asked in a supplementary question if it is true that there is political interference in government agencies.

Replied the deputy minister: "Even if political interference exists, it is always an isolated case (and is not) a major problem."