Last week in Parliament, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi gave a written statement that civil servants belonging to the management and professional group are barred from holding positions or taking part in elections in political parties. They, however, can remain as ordinary members of any political party.

Exceptions are given to those who belong to the 'support' group wherein they are allowed to hold positions or contest posts in political parties after first getting written permission from the director-general of the Public Services Department or from the chief secretary of the ministries concerned.

According to the General Orders of the Public Services Disciplinary Board 1993, Rule No 21[e] and Rule No 21 [f], it clearly states that those from the management and professional group are barred from entering political contests or from holding any position in any political party.

However, these rules have been flouted and many government staff from the management and professional group and have taken part openly in political elections, campaigning extensively and holding high positions.

Doesn't the Public Services Department keep a tab on these individuals and if they do, what kind of disciplinary actions have been taken against these people who go against the General Orders of the Public Service?