The government should concentrate on simpler and realistic ventures rather than world-class white elephants if poor work ethics continue to predominate the Malaysian mentality, a component party of ruling front Barisan Nasional said today.

Gerakan vice-president Dr S Vijayaratnam said that it would be pointless to embark on magnificent projects, establish modern public transportation and buildings if, after some years, they show distinct signs of deterioration and neglect.

"Sometimes it is better to embark on simpler and more realistic ventures and maintain them properly, rather than creating white elephants," he said in a press statement.

He added that if such projects were to be categorised as world-class, merely building them is insufficient as their long-term existence and workability must also be considered.

Vijayaratnam was commenting on the call made by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday that the local service industry must improve its standards.

"Unless Malaysians change their mentality to become more aware of the need to serve people better and improve the upkeep of buildings, we will forever be a Third World country with First World infrastructure," said Abdullah.

Abdullah, who is also Home Minister, stated that even those in the private sector exhibited training that was below international standards, giving the examples of rude and inefficient workers.

He added that the relatively better-paid workers are also unsmiling, uncooperative and inefficient with zero initiative.

Unsatisfactory maintenance

Vijayaratnam said Abdullah's views must be taken seriously and applied nationwide.

The continued long-term maintenance of mega projects was unsatisfactory, he said, citing the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as an example.

He said that the highly-rated airport is beginning to show signs of neglect and managerial incompetence, with its toilets in a sorry state of disrepair.

"Flushes in the toilet do not work and fittings are broken, even missing. Video display screens at the airport are sometimes blank, illegal taxi touts are rampant and blatant, baggage arrival is delayed and cargo theft is alarming."

Vijayaratnam also said that the mass rapid transport systems in the city have not lived up to the public's expectations, just as how the highway concessionary owners have failed to maintain highways despite collecting tolls that should make them economically sustainable.

"A more resourceful, efficient and friendly workforce will certainly alleviate the situation... the workforce must be interested in their work," he said.

He added that strict disciplinary action must be taken against inefficient workers.