No civil servants sacked for political activities

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim told the Dewan Rakyat today that not even a single civil servant has been sacked for being involved in political activities.

“There are nine cases in which the civil servants faced disciplinary action for their involvement in politics,” said Shahidan in response to an oral question from Idris Ahmad (PAS- Bukit Gantang).

Idris had asked for the number of civil servants who have been sacked or faced disciplinary action for their involvement in political activities.

Shahidan added that officers in the civil service are not allowed to be active in politics. A leeway was however introduced for teachers in 2010.

“Grade 45 to 48 teachers have been allowed to hold positions within the party but they are bounded by the Officials Secrets Act,” he said.

Idris then questioned the government’s action in transferring one naval officer, Major Zaidi Ahmad for lodging a police report over the usage of indelible ink; that ended up being delible during the 13th general election in May.

Shahidan explained that government officers in the professional group are restricted from participating as members of public in political issues.

“They are also not allowed to publish their views on the matter that may be bias, campaign for candidates, contest or hold positions within a political party,” he said.

Other groups of civil servants must get written approval from their respective director general or ministry’s chief secretaries, he added.