KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 27 civil servants were subjected to disciplinary action last year for making public statements in violation of regulations, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said a public servant is bound by a Letter of Undertaking under sub-regulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012.
"Uncontrolled public statements, particularly those involving the accuracy of data, are a concern as they may cause undue public anxiety," she told Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12).
Mumtaz wanted to know the number of civil servants who faced disciplinary action for expressing opinions or criticism of government policies.
She also wanted to know whether or not the government would review the guidelines on freedom of speech within the public service.
Zaliha said that for the moment, the government believes that existing regulations should be maintained so that public officers uphold prescribed standards of conduct.
According to the Letter of Undertaking, every public officer is responsible for complying with all regulations, including the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, General Orders, circulars, circular letters, rules and other directives issued throughout their service with the government.
