Public Servants have reacted angrily to surprise comments from the President of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) that the role of Government employees was to follow instructions from the Government “and not create confusion and contradiction”.
Abdul Hadi Awang (pictured) said every Ministry and Department must follow Government policies and act according to these policies and “if the ruling party changes then those appointed also need to be changed”.
“If they do not feel comfortable with a Government that is not of the party they support then they can resign,” Datuk Seri Hadi said.
The PAS is part of the ruling coalition Government.
His comments led to a group of prominent retired public servants issuing a statement supporting the Public Service as “both professional and non-political”.
“The Civil Service does not take sides in implementing policies. They serve the king and country and not any political party,” the retired public servants said said.
Communications Director for the National Patriots Association, a group representing former soldiers and police, Wong Ang Peng echoed the sentiment.
“Civil Servants know the laws and regulations; the problem is with politicians who give conflicting directives that contravene regulations and good governance,” Dr Wong said.
“While there are bad apples who bend to the wishes of their political masters, generally, the performance of the Civil Service is commendable, although there is much room for improvement,” he said.
Dr Wong said if Public Servants showed low regard for Government Ministers “it is because they deserve it”.
President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services, Adnan Mat said history had proven that Public Servants had no problem in carrying out their responsibilities despite changes in Government.
Kuala Lumpur, 15 May 2021
