PUTRAJAYA: Civil servants must remain professional and avoid being influenced by politics when delivering services to the public, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said that while civil servants should be aware of current political developments, they must not be drawn into partisan politics and should ensure the government administration continues to function in the people's interest.
"Politics may shape the government's mandate, but the public service must always serve to protect the people’s interests," he said during the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's monthly gathering here today.
Ahmad Zahid said civil servants must keep abreast of current political developments but remain impartial when performing their responsibilities.
"You have to be politically sensitive, but you should never become politicised. Government affairs cannot come to a standstill simply because the political temperature rises," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the public service's role as the backbone of the country's administration must be preserved, regardless of the prevailing political climate.
"We have to get this concept very clear. Whatever the political situation, the role of civil servants must remain intact and cannot be interfered with.
"Civil servants are the backbone of the country's administration. Your responsibility is to ensure the government continues to function, projects are implemented and services reach the people," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, assured that he would defend civil servants who carry out their duties professionally and in accordance with the law. - Bernama
politics, civil servants, professional, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Rural and Regional Ministry, monthly gathering, services, delivery
