The umbrella union of civil servants in the country, Cuepacs, has today called on government servants to be "loyal" to the government of the day.

"Cuepacs is not in any position to help them (civil servants) if they have done anything wrong, but we will however help them if they were unfairly treated," its president Siva Subramaniam told malaysiakini today.

Siva was responding on Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam's recent directive to all its departments and agencies to terminate the contracts of their panel doctors and other professionals who are aligned with the opposition.

Rustam also said that government servants found to be opposition party members would be transferred out of the state and he also urged federal agencies in the state to take similar action.

Siva today echoed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's statement saying that it was the prerogative of the government to appoint or terminate the services of whoever it wished.

Mahathir had on Monday expressed support for the Malacca CM's directive, adding that it was the government's right.

"The chief minister is carrying out his duty in implementing the government's policy. As government servants, we must understand that we are transferable," said Siva.

Siva stated that the CM's directive should not be construed as an action against civil servants.

"Anybody who is unfairly treated can appeal to us and we will discuss the matter with the CM," he added.

Malaysiakini yesterday reported on social reform group Aliran's view that the government should not politicise or abuse the civil service as it does not belong to the government of the day.

"When the neutrality of the civil service is not respected or safeguarded, the country should be prepared to descend into chaos and turmoil," Aliran president P. Ramakrishnan said.