Opposition to provide legal support for anti-Anwar demonstrators
Pendang member of parliament Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim said legal support would be extended to those who face action for taking part in the rally.
"I want to emphasise that if any civil servant faces action (for joining the rally), we will provide them with lawyers," he said when debating the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Awang said this after Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) reminded civil servants not to participate in the opposition-organised rally.
Awang said Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees citizens the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.
On Sunday (July 20), Shamsul Azri said civil servants must adhere to the pledge enshrined in the Rukun Negara.
"They cannot attend. Civil servants recite the pledge every day, every week. The Rukun Negara includes the principle of loyalty to the king and country... Have they forgotten? Be loyal to the king and country," he said.
Yesterday, the AGC in a statement said civil servants who participate in the rally may face disciplinary action for breaching civil service regulations.
The AGC stressed that civil servants are bound by the pledge outlined in the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012, as well as the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
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