The government wants artificial intelligence to help check documents submitted for permits and licences, in a move Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally says could reduce opportunities for favouritism and demands for unofficial payments.
Outlining his vision for the public service during an appearance on the Energy Perspectives podcast, Ally said greater use of technology would make application processes more transparent and reduce reliance on individual officers to determine whether required documents had been submitted.
“As much as possible, let’s have technology and AI determine whether you have submitted everything rather than a person sitting and going through that,” he said.
The Minister linked the proposed approach to concerns that citizens may receive different treatment when seeking government services.
He said applicants should be able to establish whether they have met the requirements without wondering whether an officer dislikes them or whether they must pay someone to move their application forward.
“Don’t have to wonder whether someone didn’t like me or you have to go pay somebody to get it done,” Ally said.
Ally presented the proposal as part of a broader effort to create a more accessible, professional and transparent public service by 2030 and beyond.
He said citizens should be able to track their matters through government systems, reducing uncertainty about who is handling an application or complaint and what stage it has reached.
Pointing to Citizen Connect, the Minister said users can follow a complaint from submission through referral, response and closure. He described that visibility as a model for the wider transformation of public services.
Ally also argued that automated checks would prevent discrimination. Alongside digitalisation, the Ministry is reviewing the rules governing public servants. Ally said the changes must address information security, confidentiality and access to government information as more work moves online.
He said a committee was examining the existing framework and that consultations would form part of the process.
The Minister also emphasised that people who struggle with technology must retain access to assistance. He pointed to government service centres and help desks within Neighbourhood Democratic Councils as ways of supporting residents, particularly older people.
