Latest news with #civilservants
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Obey the rules, Selangor civil servants told ahead of rally
Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said no circular had been issued on the gathering, but advised civil servants to conduct themselves appropriately. PETALING JAYA : Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari has reminded state civil servants to observe the rules for the public services ahead of tomorrow's 'Turun Anwar' rally. He said there was no need to issue a formal circular barring civil servants from attending, as he believes they are aware of their responsibilities and the limits of their roles. 'They must comply with certain instructions from time to time, whether it is about involvement in politics, offensive comments and others. I believe the civil service code is clear on this,' he told reporters after launching a book festival today. On Sunday, the chief secretary to the government said it was inappropriate for civil servants to take part in the rally 'because the action is not in accordance with the principle of loyalty to king and country'. The Attorney-General's Chambers said on Wednesday there is a legal basis for the directive. Amirudin's comments came in response to a question on whether Selangor civil servants who take part in the rally would face disciplinary action. 'That's up to the department heads. It's not under my jurisdiction,' he said, adding that poor weather and health concerns could also prevent some civil servants from joining the event. Tomorrow's protest at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, will be the first mass rally directly targeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with organisers expecting a turnout of over 100,000 people, although police have estimated a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 people.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Some Hong Kong teams denied National Games entry by selection policy ruling
With less than four months to go before the National Games, dozens of Hong Kong athletes hoping to represent the city have had their dreams dashed by a group of civil servants. The city's organising committee has decided that only sports whose teams finished in the top eight at either the Paris Olympics last year or the Asian Games in 2023 could enter multiple sides in National Games team events. Sports that hosted a team event in Hong Kong, such as handball or rugby, could also enter multiple teams. Governing bodies of those failing to meet either criterion could nominate only one team to represent the city, with the committee having final approval. That camp includes the likes of volleyball and football, which have men's and women's teams. Hong Kong's men's basketball team (in white) could be prevented from competing. Photo: Xinhua In a message sent to sporting governing bodies, the committee said the decision had been taken to 'enhance the competitiveness' of Hong Kong athletes.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Anwar faces hypocrisy claims as Malaysian civil servants warned off protest
Malaysia 's civil servants have been warned of possible disciplinary action if they join a protest on Saturday calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim 's resignation, as the opposition claims hundreds of thousands are being mobilised for the rally. The 'Turun Anwar' (Anwar Resign) demonstration is the first mass rally that directly challenges the prime minister, whose reform movement once popularised street protests in the country against his rivals. Organised by the Islamist party PAS and the opposition, the rally calls for Anwar's resignation over unfulfilled promises, alleging economic mismanagement and an authoritarian tilt, including his attempt to seek legal immunity from an accusation of sexual assault While the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to free speech and assembly, the Attorney General's Chamber warned Malaysia's civil servants that 'these rights are not absolute'. 'Accordingly, any public gathering is also subject to the requirement to comply with existing laws, including specific instructions issued by the authorities including instructions by the chief secretary to civil servants,' it said in a statement on Wednesday. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) shakes hands with Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar at the Digital Assets and AI Advisory Council Meeting on Wednesday. Facebook: Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar The warning follows a comment by the government's Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar on Sunday, saying that the attendance of state employees went against the National Principles, a set of five ideals formulated as a response to the 1969 racial riots.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
AGC backs ban on civil servants joining ‘Turun Anwar' rally
Civil servants have been told to refrain from joining the 'Turun Anwar' rally planned for Saturday at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Attorney-General's Chambers has backed the chief secretary to the government's directive prohibiting civil servants from taking part in the upcoming 'Turun Anwar' rally, saying there is legal basis for the instruction. The AGC said civil servants are bound by letters of undertaking Regulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012. It said the undertakings include complying with all regulations, including the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, general orders, circulars, and directives issued by the government from time to time. Both sets of regulations state that civil servants must not behave in any manner that could tarnish or bring disrepute to civil service and not make any public statements that could embarrass or tarnish the reputation of the government. The AGC said civil servants must at all times remain loyal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the nation, and the government. 'Any failure to comply with the regulations, general orders, circulars, and other instructions issued by the government may result in disciplinary action being taken against civil servants,' it said in a statement. On Sunday, chief secretary to the government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said it was inappropriate for civil servants to take part in the rally 'because the action is not in accordance with the principle of loyalty to king and country as espoused by the Rukun Negara'. However, Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek said that Shamsul's statement lacked any basis in law and was contrary to the Federal Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression and the right to peacefully assemble. He also said criticism, dissent, and protests were part of any democracy. The AGC said although Articles 10(1)(a) and 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution grant every citizen the freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to assemble peacefully without arms, these rights are not absolute. 'In line with that, any public assembly is also subject to existing laws, including special directives issued by the authorities, such as directives issued by the chief secretary to the government to civil servants,' it said.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong leader praises rescuers, Kai Tak Sports Park team in civil servant awards
Hong Kong's leader has praised civil servants sent to earthquake-stricken Myanmar and a team that led drills before the opening of the city's largest piece of sports infrastructure for amplifying the government's commitment to 'continuous improvement and fearlessness in facing challenges'. John Lee Ka-chiu presented the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance to the groups in a ceremony on Wednesday. It was the first time two teams had received the honour in the same year since the award's establishment in 2023. 'I have changed the government culture to establish a result-oriented government,' the chief executive said at the event. 'I want leadership to take the initiative and allow all civil servant colleagues to fully utilise their strengths.' The high-level award recognises civil servants for meritorious work. The Hong Kong search and rescue team that was sent to Mandalay, Myanmar, in March this year comprised members of the Fire Services Department, Security Bureau, Immigration Department and Hospital Authority.
