PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has become the first ministry to launch specific guidelines on managing workplace bullying, though its minister has some words of caution.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said no amount of anti-bullying regulations will lead to a safe workplace if top management fails to uphold the right values in maintaining a safe and just working space.
With the ministry being among the largest service schemes in the country, he reminded senior ministry officials to not be part of the problem.
“You, the leaders, managers and seniors have the mandate to create an ambience that is just and safe.
“We cannot at all normalise (bullying). It will fester into cancer,” he said at the launch of the guidelines at the ministry here yesterday.
Dr Dzulkefly recalled how he took action against a high-ranking officer for bullying during his first stint as Health Minister.
“I have zero tolerance for bullying, especially against the fairer sex,” he said, pledging no compromise on incidents.
“Remind each other. When you see someone who is a victim of bullying, don’t close your eyes, or turn your back or shoulder against the victim,” he said, adding that juniors should be given the space to communicate.
Asked whether whistleblowers reporting bullying cases will be protected, he said the ministry will ensure that their identities are kept confidential.
The ministry’s guidelines on managing workplace bullying will be distributed to all its facilities nationwide.
Developed by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), the guidelines outline a new workplace culture within the ministry that is more empathetic, professional and supportive.
It provides detailed guidance to department heads and staff members on identifying bullying behaviour, reporting and investigating complaints and handling cases transparently, fairly and effectively.
According to the guidelines, it will take the integrity unit up to 15 working days to resolve complaints that are classified under the common category, which is for complaints lodged through the ministry’s bullying complaints management system, MyHELP.
For cases under the complex category, it can take a minimum of 16 working days to resolve.
Counselling services will also be provided to the victim as intervention for their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Complaints on bullying cases can also be submitted through various channels, including the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA), email, official letters, complaint boxes, face-to-face (walk-in) complaints, as well as via mass media platforms.
The ministry recorded 430 complaints on its MyHELP as of July 31.
