Noncompliance, carelessness in matters involving national security must be reprimanded - KPPA

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Reprimands for noncompliance with procedures (SOP) that may affect the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the government should be made by all responsible parties, especially heads of departments without fear or favour, said Director-General of Public Service (KPPA) Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah.

He said this in a seven-page reminder to all public service officers, dated Aug 8, which was also sent to the Office of Chief Secretary to the Government and heads of departments.

Mohd Shafiq said noncompliance and carelessness of public officers regarding matters related to national security and sovereignty should be acted upon immediately without compromise or elements of favouritism, especially if it involves security at the country’s main international entry and exit points.

Citing the National Security Policy 2021-2025, he said that ensuring national security and sovereignty of the country are the shared responsibilities of all public officers and Malaysians as a whole.

“Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the core value of the stability and security of a country. This Core Value 8 refers to the activities of law enforcement agencies which, if not managed well in accordance with rules and regulations, will cause negative domino or chain effects on economic security, public order and public security, as well as societal security,” he said.

As such, Mohd Shafiq said public officers should always be positive upon receiving views, suggestions or criticism from any stakeholder including higher-ranked officers in an effort to improve the delivery of public services.

“A public officer should also show a responsive attitude towards feedback and complaints from public service customers.

“A public officer who was reprimanded either by members of the public or their supervisor or colleague or superior officer due to his unsatisfactory service delivery should not respond by provoking the one who reprimanded him,” he said.

Mohd Shafiq said extreme provocation to gain public attention or to use it as material to make it viral can be deemed irresponsible and contravene the work culture of public officers, as well as the rules and regulations in force.

He was referring to Regulation 3D of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 which entrusted the KPPA with the responsibility to monitor the implementation of disciplinary action on public officers who violated the regulations.

“Any head of department found to have failed to exercise supervision over his subordinates, shall be deemed negligent in the performance of his duties and irresponsible, and he may be subject to disciplinary action as provided under Regulation 3C(2),” he said.

Therefore, he said all public officers need to behave well and avoid making any public statements that may have unwanted implications for the public service and the government’s good name.

“A public officer must not be involved in spreading fake news, making accusations or defaming other officers to achieve their own personal agenda.

“They are also prohibited from misusing freedom of speech and technological advancement to achieve their personal agenda to the extent of violating the laws and regulations in force, which have been an axis of public service in the country.

“The Public Service Department cannot and will not keep silent and allow public officers to be defamed and unfairly treated for the sake of fulfilling the personal agenda of certain quarters,” he added.

-- BERNAMA