By Goh Chin Lian, Senior Political Correspondent

GIVE us the real you, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has urged youths aspiring to be government scholars.

In an open letter to schools, PSC chairman Eddie Teo described how some would give 'politically correct' answers and appear to be pro-Government, thinking that would impress the interview panel.

In doing so, 'they often end up giving the impression that they have no integrity', he said yesterday in a letter that spelt out how scholars are selected, the qualities the panel looks for, and how to prepare for the interview.

MR TEO TELLS WHAT THE PSC LOOKS FOR

INTEGRITY: Integrity is vital. Although pragmatism is a pillar in the governance of Singapore, it is dangerous to have the country governed by public servants who are unprincipled pragmatists.

The person with integrity will challenge the rules if they go against his values and principles. But how he challenges the rules is also important, for it reveals how shrewd and street-savvy he is and the level of his Emotional Quotient or EQ.

COMMITMENT: The candidate's level of commitment in serving the community serves as a proxy indicator of his commitment to public service. How committed is he to his community involvement programme? What is his motive for taking part in it? Does he truly enjoy serving the less fortunate or is he doing it primarily to make his CV look good? What reasons does he give for wanting to join the public service? Do they ring true or is he saying what he thinks we want to hear?

WE'RE NOT LOOKING FOR 'YES-MEN'
'The worst case of someone who was trying to be 'politically correct' that I can recall was a candidate who said he would obey authority even if he disagrees with a particular instruction given to him.

I was appalled when the candidate went on to reply that if he were to work in a government ministry and was told by his superior to award a development contract to his superior's friend, he would comply because it was an instruction from a person in authority.

Clearly, he thought the PSC is looking for someone who is totally compliant and completely obedient.'
-- PSC chairman Eddie Teo

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