KEBUN Bunga state assemblyperson Jason Ong Khan Lee has reiterated that all internal matters regarding public service are of public interest and therefore needs to be disclosed to the public.
Ong’s remark came following news reports that the public services department (JPA) has urged civil servants to stop making public statements on internal matters.
In a recent circular, JPA director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah said heads of departments and supervising officers were permitted to reprimand civil servants who failed to carry out their duties satisfactorily.
Mohd Shafiq also said a civil servant who is reprimanded should not respond by attempting to publicise the matter, adding that those who attempted to do so were “irresponsible” and could be penalised in accordance with the law.
On this matter, Ong said the directive to keep matters away from the public – especially regarding the delivery of public service – is in opposition to the idea of whistleblowing and transparency.
“Instead of trying to cover up for the supervisors and managers or heads of departments, there should be a mechanism to address dissatisfaction and injustices suffered by the employees, and this includes the right to air their views in a way that allows them to be heard,” he remarked.
“In the area of public service, nothing of public interest should be kept confidential or secret, and neither should the victim be accused of being irresponsible nor should he be penalised for doing so. Those who speak up should be shielded from retaliation by their superiors.”
According to Ong, public service hinges on delivering efficient service to the public, and the people are the paymasters or actual “employers” of these civil servants.
“Therefore, in all respect, the public deserves to know, and more public disclosures by civil servants are needed,” he added.
“This way, we can progress to become a more responsible and civic society where accountability and transparency become a priority.
“A culture of good governance begins from ‘the tone at the top’. However, it is a good sign, even if it starts from the bottom first.”
Ong noted that while all civil servants sign a letter of non-disclosure, this ought to change to inculcate a culture of good governance.
“Whenever there are misappropriations, misdeeds or miscarriages of justice, the culprits should be exposed so that the public is enlightened and forewarned to intervene where possible,” he said.
An investigation is currently underway after Shafiq had allegedly reprimanded an immigration officer for dereliction of duty at KLIA.
Last week JPA dismissed claims that Mohd Shafiq had verbally abused the officer and said the claims were baseless and malicious and aimed at tarnishing Mohd Shafiq’s image.
JPS also said Mohd Shafiq had “rightfully reprimanded” the officer over non-compliance with procedures after he had failed to check Mohd Shafiq and his delegation’s travel documents and passports. – Aug 11, 2022
Main photo credit: Malaysia Today
