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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Of Little Napoleons
Often observed throwing their weight around and lording over those who rely on them, "Little Napoleons" create tension wherever they go — be it a government department, a corporate office or a school. While their disruptive presence is widely acknowledged in Malaysian society, little has been done to curb this persistent irritation. What makes these individuals particularly bothersome is their penchant for imposing unwarranted strictures on straightforward administrative processes — actions they likely deem brilliant, or believe will serve the interests of their superiors. Such examples stretch back decades: recall how women whose attires failed to meet specific conservative values were subjected to the humiliating "hair-dryer" treatment, seemingly an assertion of moral superiority. The "Little Napoleon" concept originates from the "Napoleon Complex", also known as the "Napoleon Syndrome" or "Short-Man Syndrome". While often linked to men of short stature who display overbearing public behaviour — a perceived compensation for physical or social shortcomings — the full extent of a Little Napoleon's conduct is rarely visible. Their actions are, in fact, much worse when unobserved. These individuals shower favouritism on the well-connected or those willing to "pay extra", disregarding established procedures. They deliberately obstruct or delay services, creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and demand bribes for essential services or approvals. They also harass and threaten those who challenge their actions, using their influence to suppress dissent. A clear example is when Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, criticised the "Little Napoleon" culture at the Kangar Municipal Council after a rebranding initiative, meant to reflect its statewide role, was deliberately undermined; a critique the state's top officials quickly acknowledged. The "Little Napoleon" phenomenon, far from being a simple nuisance, has bred public distrust, bureaucratic inefficiency and organisational demoralisation. They resist modernisation, preferring traditional systems that afford them control, and oppose diversity and inclusion to maintain a homogenous workforce they can dominate. And yes, they routinely deflect accountability for their errors. Tackling this requires comprehensive governance and oversight, including increased transparency, accountability, public education and advocacy to ensure these civil servants are held responsible. Perhaps establishing an independent ombudsman or internal affairs unit could effectively resolve the problem of Little Napoleons undermining the government's good work. Public service unions are known to defend "Little Napoleons", dismissing concerns about their impact on service until it's too late. Still, the government should not cower from losing public favour or give in to political blackmail when purging unmotivated, unproductive and uncommitted civil servants. For these "Little Napoleons", it's simple: shape up or get shipped out.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Little Napoleons' tarnishing MPKangar's name, says Raja Perlis
KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, has openly criticised bureaucratic hurdles and the so-called "Little Napoleon" culture said to persist within the Kangar Municipal Council (MPKangar). The Ruler said the presence of officials clinging to such attitudes has tarnished MPKangar's reputation and even caused him personal inconvenience, raising questions about the council's capacity to fulfil its responsibilities as the state's sole local authority. His Majesty revealed that there had once been a plan to rebrand MPKangar as MP Perlis to better reflect its statewide role, but the persistent "Little Napoleon" mindset among certain staff has undermined any genuine improvement — regardless of the name. "I see many areas where MPKangar must be improved, but rebranding means nothing if the same attitudes remain. During my recent birthday, I said some civil servants must change their mindset — that was directed at MPKangar staff, not out of anger, but out of concern. "MPKangar is capable, but these 'Little Napoleons' spoil its name. They drag their feet, delay approvals — even simple matters like amending conditions can take years," he said in his address at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new MPKangar Complex at Persiaran Wawasan today. Also present were the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, his consort Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, and MPKangar president Affendi Rajini Kanth. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin urged every officer and staff member to abandon outdated mindsets and adopt an approach that prioritises development and public service. "It is high time they shed the old mindset in favour of one that fosters development. MPKangar engages with the public daily — if the people do not receive proper service, what is the point of sitting comfortably in a new air-conditioned building? "Service with warmth must be ingrained in every MPKangar employee. Be people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and service-oriented — only then can we talk about a new name or branding," he added. Earlier, the ground-breaking for Wisma MPKangar marked a new chapter for the council, which has operated from its current premises at Persiaran Jubli Emas since 1987. The new building is seen as a timely effort by the state and the council to address longstanding shortcomings at the ageing office, including limited space and inadequate parking facilities that have long inconvenienced visitors.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
GLC takes over construction of Perlis sports school, delayed for 11 years
KANGAR: The federal government has appointed a government-linked company (GLC) to expedite the construction of the sports school project, which was announced 11 years ago. The project involves the development of a school complex specifically for sports, originally slated for completion in 2014 after ground-breaking work began a year earlier. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this matter was raised by the Sultan of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who both called for the project's construction to be expedited. Anwar also announced that he had decided to appoint a company, either under Khazanah Nasional or Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), to develop a sports school for Perlis soon. "This project was announced over a decade ago, but until now, there is no school and no sports facilities. "As such, I have decided to appoint a company, either under Khazanah or PNB, that has the credibility to kickstart the project as soon as possible and complete a sports school in Perlis," he said in his speech at the state-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Perlis here.
