PETALING JAYA: Civil servants and former public servants have been warned that they risk stern action for issuing statements or doing anything that can cause the Government to be viewed negatively.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman (pic) reminded civil servants that they were not allowed to make any statements, publish comments, or speak before the approval of the Minister or their respective departments, as stated under Regulation 19 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
"The rationale behind the implementation of the rule is to avoid any misunderstanding from unverified sources and any misinterpretation of the Government's decisions.
"The rule must be complied with by all civil servants who are still in service," she said in a statement on Wednesday.
Azalina said civil servants who are retired are still bound by the Official Secrets Act 1972 which makes it an offence for them to reveal any information deemed an official secret, or any classified information.
"Provisions under the Act were enacted to make it an offence for any individual to reveal official secrets obtained while in service once they have retired.
"All public servants must abide with the rule of law to ensure that there will be no confusion among the general public," she said.
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