Friday February 22, 2013

Civil servants advised not to ‘talk or do politics in the office’

Muhyiddin arriving for the gathering with Cuepacs leaders in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations that civil servants are involved in politics during office hours will be thoroughly investigated, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Deputy Prime Minister said action would be taken against them if such allegations were true.

However, he said there should not be elements of victimisation because civil servants were allowed to be involved in politics.

“Such cases need to be investigated carefully and in detail. We cannot act merely based on rumours,” he said at a gathering with Cuepacs leaders from all over the country here yesterday.

He was responding to a suggestion raised by the floor that action be taken against civil servants who carry out party work, particularly for the Opposition, during office hours.

Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said civil servants were allowed to be involved in politics, but must obtain permission from their department heads or superiors.

“If they do not inform the office, then they are liable for disciplinary action. This is something that civil servants must remember if they plan to be serious in politics,” he added.

Omar said the Public Service Department circular on the matter was clear and advised public sector workers not to “talk or do politics in the office”.

“When you clock in to work, the focus should only be on your office responsibilities,” he said.

“Do not come to the office and condemn the Government because as civil servants, you are bound to be loyal to the government of the day.”

PSD deputy director-general Datuk Farida Mohd Ali said there were cases of civil servants doing political work during office hours that had been brought to the department’s attention and were being investigated.

News

Friday February 22, 2013

Civil servants advised not to ‘talk or do politics in the office’