Hahahahaha... how true.

For those in this rut, think of it this way lah... all this bureaucratic run-around just create jobs for everyone.

Just do what you can within the limitations of the system, keep a good record that you are always trying and not giving up (i.e. copy whole world in your e-mails), always appear positive, then every month collect salary. Rinse and repeat.

There's no point hurrying in CS or PS. You'll be often stalled by the many levels above and not in your dept. Only when the organisation going to lao-sai already, i.e. implementation of whatever is imminent, then suddenly the way is paved and smooth... any obstacle can be removed or overlooked.