Ahmad Zahid pledges to shield civil servants facing political pressure

PUTRAJAYA – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has given his assurance that he will protect civil servants from any pressure arising from the current political clashes.

He said civil servants must continue to carry out their duties in line with regulations and the proper legal channels, without mixing politics with government administration.

Without naming the parties allegedly applying the pressure, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister (KKDW), said he would not compromise in ensuring government staff continued to perform their duties professionally.

"I also know that some of you may have been summoned and are facing pressure following this political clash, but believe me, for as long as I hold the trust of Minister, I will protect every officer of the ministry," he said when speaking at the KKDW monthly assembly here today.

"Continue serving and carry out the responsibilities given to you according to the regulations and the proper legal channels."

He added: "I protect them because I do not want my officers involved in politics. But attending an event does not mean they are involved in politics. This must be distinguished by the leader up there. I do not know his name, but understand this matter."

Ahmad Zahid said he was prepared to face any action by certain quarters seeking to disrupt the work of civil servants, but stressed that all actions must be based on regulations. He did not name those allegedly exerting pressure, saying only that it was done by parties holding high positions.

He said political rivalry at state level should not disrupt the smooth running of the federal administration for as long as Parliament had not been dissolved.

"The Unity Government today was formed on the basis of a clear understanding and agreement for it to remain until Parliament is dissolved.

"As long as no dissolution takes place, the federal government will continue to function, the administration will carry on and every trust given to the people will be carried out as usual," he said.

Civil servants, he said, needed to understand political developments and the context of government policymaking, but must not be dragged into partisan politics. The dividing line between politics and administration had to be clear so that the professionalism of civil servants was preserved.

"At state level we may differ in opinion. But when we carry out administration at federal level, there must be no differences," he said.