Having the courage to tell the truth to political masters is among the long list of directives newly-minted Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has issued to civil servants.

The directives were issued during a Monday meeting between Mahathir and the secretaries-general of all ministries.

The secretaries-general have since conveyed the directives to their respective ministries.

One such document for the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) was leaked. KPDNKK officials have confirmed the contents of the message.

The secretary-general of another ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed to Malaysiakini that the content of the message accorded to what they discussed with Mahathir on Monday.

The KPDNKK document, titled "Salient points of a special meeting with the prime minister and secretaries-general of ministries" had item number seven bolded, which read: "Public servants must be courageous in stating the truth to their political masters."

According to the document, it was raised during the meeting that there is low public confidence in the civil service, and that it is incumbent on respective division directors to overcome this perception.

It also instructed an end to the practice of direct negotiations for contracts.

Other points include:

  • Controversial issues involving politicians must be referred to the secretary-general.
  • Spending must be done prudently. There is no need to finish all allocations, and financial procedures must be complied with.
  • Civil servants must be responsible, have integrity and think positively.
  • The prime minister or relevant ministers will visit all agencies, and agencies must prepare a briefing and present its new direction.
  • All agencies must revise its policies, including the Co-operative Societies Act 1993.
  • Problematic officials must face action, and the disciplinary committee cannot comprise secretaries-general who are political appointees.
  • All political appointees by the previous minister are to be terminated.
  • No new hiring of civil servants.
  • All state directors are to pay a courtesy call to the respective state menteris besar or chief ministers, particularly those which are aligned with the federal government.
  • All photographs of old leaders are to be replaced immediately.
  • Divisional and state directors are barred from going on leave until the full cabinet is appointed.
  • Any officials must see the secretary-general before going directly to the minister.
  • Cooperatives Day is abolished. The meeting agrees for the ministry to visit state cooperatives without the need for excessive protocols.
  • Cleanliness at offices must be improved and empty spaces should be acted upon.