CIVIL SERVANTS INVOLVED IN STREET DEMOS WILL BE SACKED

The Star
By SARBAN SINGH

34/8/2009

SEREMBAN: A sacking or demotion awaits civil servants found to be involved in movements that organise street demonstrations.
They will also be charged for dereliction of duty if they leave their work stations to see or participate in such illegal gatherings.
In issuing the reminder, Public Service director general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said civil servants should always pledge their loyalty to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the government of the day and not to be taken in by any illegal movement out to create public disorder.
"You are not allowed to use the office printer, photocopier or computers to produce leaflets on any such demonstration.
“Also, you can't leave your workplace during working hours even if your intentions were to just see the demonstration," he said in a directive issued on Aug 13.
He said civil servants should remember that they could not participate in any activity that disturbed the peace.
"Public sector employees are also not at any point allowed to act in a manner seen to be sympathetic towards such illegal events. You cannot put your personal interest above your duty as a civil servant," he said.
He also reminded civil servants in the Top Management Group (JUSA) that they were strictly forbidden from being active in politics.
Ismail said those in the Support Group, who make up almost 60 per cent of the civil service, are only allowed to hold positions in political parties after obtaining written approval from the Public Service director general or the secretary-general of the ministry.
"This is important because we want to retain the neutrality and integrity of the civil service.
"This is also to ensure the civil service was stabil and impartial and not influenced by any political party or movement," he said.
Ismail said those who violated the directive could be charged under rule 4(1) of the General Rules (Discipline and Conduct) Regulations 1993 for disloyalty against the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and country.
Cuepacs president Omar Osman said the directive was probably issued as there were a small number of civil servants involved in such wrongdoings.
"The provision is already contained in our Aku Janji (My Pledge) document which is signed by all civil servants.
"It is good that the PSD had issued the directive as some civil servants may have forgotten that it was an offence to participate in such activites," he said.
Omar said Cuepacs had also reminded civil servants about the offence of being involved in such activities during a recent roadshow.
"We told our members not to blame anyone except themselves if disciplinary action is taken against them. As far as Cuepacs is concerned, we must at all times remain loyal to the King, country and the government of the day," he said.
In a separate directive, Ismail said government servants in the Top Management Group who were above 40 must undergo annual medical check-ups.
"All other civil servants must also undergo a medical check-up upon reaching 40.
"This is important because we want them to be at their best to ensure we have a productive and efficient civil service," he said.
Ismail said disciplinary action will be taken against those who refused to undergo such checks and were later found to be unhealthy.
"They may not be considered for promotions. They must abide by this directive because we want to have a healthy workforce," he added