Malaysia’s main Public Service union has hit back at allegations by former Attorney-General, Tommy Thomas ( pictured) that claimed the governing United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) had convinced Public Servants the “party is synonymous with Malaysia”.
President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS), Adnan Mat described the claims as offensive and denied assertions that some Public Servants had become convinced that the national interest and the UMNO’s were one and the same.
During a recent webinar, Mr Thomas said the UMNO’s long-time dominance had been so overpowering that it had convinced thousands of Public Servants that it was “synonymous with Malaysia”.
Mr Adnan said such remarks should not have come from someone who had himself held a Public Service job at one time.
“There was no need for him to link Civil Servants with any political parties or ideology,” Mr Adnan said.
“Civil Servants will always support the Government of the day, regardless of the political background of the leadership,” he said.
Mr Adnan said being part of the Government machinery, the focus of Public Servants was to ensure their service was always at the best, in the interests of the people and in line with the policies of the Government of the day.
“Civil Servants are barred from expressing political views and I hope leaders will respect this by not entangling them in any political disputes,” the union President said.
“Civil servants, like the Malaysian public, have their political inclinations, but they remain professional and neutral in their duties to the people and country,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur, 15 September 2021
