MALAYSIA
A powerful group of eminent Malaysians has called for Chief Secretary to the Government and head of the Public Service, Ali Hamsa (pictured) to resign.
The G25 Secretariat said the Public Service had previously been seen as a pillar of strength and stability for the administration, but now some senior bureaucrats were part of the problem facing the country.
It said the Public Service had been widely criticised, including by Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, as unreliable and deeply corrupted by the previous Government.
“We believe all these severe criticisms of the Civil Service, whether coming from the political leaders or from the public, reflect badly on the leadership of the Chief Secretary in ensuring discipline and professionalism, particularly at the top ranks of Secretaries-General,” the G25 said.
“As their careers are under his command, the Chief Secretary must take responsibility for all the bad publicity which the Civil Service has suffered due to their misconduct and his own failure in setting a good example.”
However, Tan Sri Hamsa showed no sign of being ready to step down, instead attacking senior PS staff, who he said were trying to undermine the new Government.
He said he had instructed all Secretaries-General and Heads of Service to investigate any possible sabotage attempts aimed at derailing the current administration.
“Report any kind of sabotage to the respective Secretaries-General and Heads of Service; from there, I will personally address the matter,” Tan Sri Hamsa told all PS employees.
“Any deliberate attempt to sabotage and undermine the Government and its administration will not be tolerated.”
A report in the Sun newspaper said PS staff appointed by the new Government into various positions in the Ministries had become victims of “sabotage”.
The report said this had occurred in at least three Ministries, resulting in the removal of a senior PS employee who allegedly masterminded the sabotage at one Ministry.
Kuala Lumpur, 1 August 2018
