Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Dato’ Ahmad KabitAs the country moves towards enhancing national governance, thedynamics of ICT will also influence the governance framework atthe local councils as well. The responsibilities of local governments areno longer confined to their traditional roles of providing waste disposalservices and addressing land matters at service counters.The needs of the people today are much more than basic counter service. Thedemands are that local governments make easy and simple all transactions with theGovernment through the use of information communications technology (ICT).The evolution and metamorphosis in the quality of delivery of services to thepublic by the Government is much pronounced in recent years with the adventof e-government. They want service delivered to their homes, without having toleave their homes.E-government essentially brings a newrevolution in the quality of service deliveredto the citizens. It has ushered in transparencyin the governing process; saving time dueto the provisions of services througha single window. It provides certaintyand consistency in delivery, somethingcustomers expect and demand in this age.As the use of ICT grows globally and inall aspects of service, be that public orprivate sector, it is imperative that localgovernments do not develop their strategiesfor ICT in vacuum and in isolation of theneeds of global demographic and customeruse trends.The needs of the peopletoday are much morethan basic counterservice. The demands arethat local governmentsmake easy and simpleall transactions with theGovernment throughthe use of informationcommunicationsAs Malaysia moves towards enhancing technology (ICT).national governance, these dynamicswill naturally influence the governanceframework at the local level as well.We must also acknowledge a more inclusive and participatory approach in anincreasingly ICT savvy generation. This generation will spur a more pervasivedemand from the local government.We now see children as young as three years old using computers and seven usingthe Internet as part of their daily activities. People are more connected throughthe cyber networks. ICT has made a difference to our lives through the use of e-mails, and the Internet is now a source of information, communication, education,137