27 civil servants disciplined over unauthorised public statements - Zaliha

A total of 27 civil servants faced disciplinary action last year for making unauthorised public statements, including criticism of government policies, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the cases were recorded under Regulation 19 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, based on data from the Public Service Department for 2024.

“A civil servant is bound by the Surat Aku Janji (Letter of Undertaking) under sub-regulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012.

“Through this undertaking, every public officer must comply with all rules, including the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, General Orders, circulars, and directives issued from time to time,” she said in a written response to Mumtaz Nawi (PN-Tumpat).

Zaliha also stressed that public statements made without control, particularly those involving the accuracy of data, could cause unwarranted public anxiety.

“For now, the government is of the view that the existing regulations should be maintained to ensure public officers consistently uphold the standards of conduct as prescribed,” she said.

Civil servants found guilty of misconduct risk actions including an official warning, fine, grade stagnation, demotion and termination.

Last month, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar reminded civil servants not to participate in the opposition-led “Turun Anwar” rally, prompting debate on the alleged suppression of their rights to freedom of expression.

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