Two recalled UAE diplomats will return to Wisma Putra
He said allegations that went viral on social media which claimed the diplomats would be...
Malaysia's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the consul-general of Malaysia in Dubai who were recalled will be placed at Wisma Putra, said the Public Service Department (PSD).
Its director-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah clarified that they were not assigned to the PSD’s pool system of civil servants.
He said allegations that went viral on social media claiming the diplomats would be put into ‘cold storage’ were inaccurate and did not happen, adding that they would undergo training courses when they return.
Wisma Putra in a statement on Monday (April 11) said the two diplomats were recalled for failing to coordinate administrative and logistical matters during Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's visit to the UAE late last month.
“Relocation of ambassadors to undergo courses is a common practice in the ministry,” Syafiq (above) told reporters in Putrajaya yesterday.
He added that there are 107 Malaysian diplomats stationed abroad.
Skills training
Shafiq denied there was such a term as ‘cold storage’ in the civil service because public servants who are recalled while waiting for a new assignment will attend courses to improve their skills while still being on the payroll.
He said they would be given assignments, be required to attend courses and their salaries would not be deducted, adding that the interpretation of cold storage in the community should be corrected.
New placements or being placed in the pool system while waiting for new assignments should not be viewed negatively, he added.
"Civil servants are ready to be reassigned and that is one of the pledges of the public service, namely to serve without fear or favour."
According to Shafiq, 29 diplomatic positions have yet to be filled, of which the duties are being carried out by the charge d'affaires and the matter is being discussed with the ministry’s secretary-general M Shahrul Ikram Yaakob to immediately fill the vacancies.
- Bernama
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