Civil Servants Must Share Positive Messages On Social Media - Chief Secretary

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has reminded civil servants to use social media to convey positive messages that benefit the people and the country.

He stressed that it should not be misused to condemn or slander others, but instead be used to promote good values, share information on reforms, and highlight the achievements of the civil service.

“Use social media for good. We have 1.3 million civil servants and if all share on their social media about reforms in the civil service, the values in public administration, and encourage people to do good, it would be better than us hitting out and criticising others,” he said.

He said this at the ‘Reformasi Satu Kemestian’ (Reform is a Must) session with the Chief Secretary to the Government in conjunction with the first anniversary of civil service reforms here today.

Shamsul Azri also reminded civil servants to comply with Regulation 19 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, which prohibits officers from making public statements contrary to government policy.

He said the committee monitoring social media involving civil servants had found that many at times allowed emotions to take over, were unable to control their feelings, and thus wrote things that should not be written.

“So, I appeal to everyone, write only good things because it will bring peace to our hearts, and the reward from such good deeds will continue,” he said.

Shamsul Azri also stressed that the silo working culture in the civil service must be stopped as it is detrimental to organisations and affects the effectiveness of service delivery to the people

He said the silo mentality arises when individuals or departments feel that they or their units are better than others, to the extent of refusing to share knowledge or cooperate.

“So this is a challenge for the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Director-General of Public Service and all secretaries-general to break down the silo walls,” he said.

As such, he called on all members of the civil service to embrace the commitment to work as one team, with one identity and one goal, for the good of the nation and the people.

-- BERNAMA