KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Civil servants should always be loyal to the “government of the day” instead of seeking to undermine it through public criticism, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
While stressing that civil servants should not subscribe to “blind loyalty”, Najib said they should still be aligned with the “government with the mandate to serve the people”.
“It’s a basic principle that you cannot forget. You don’t undermine the government, you don’t disparage the government,” he said in a speech before launching an exhibition here.
Saying that they should not post criticism publicly on blogs, microblogging site Twitter or in emails, Najib pointed out that civil servants could still express their dissatisfaction through the proper channels.
Najib was listing the four qualities that he valued in a “good civil servant”, which also included dedication, competence and integrity.
Civil servants should show dedication “by going the extra mile” and they can no longer “hide behind the desk” to mask their incompetency, he said.
In a new era where the “contestation of ideas” is important, Administrative and Diplomatic Officers (PTD) must adapt and master the ability to face the media and communicate well, he added.
Speaking before the launching of the PTD Alumni Association’s “MY Story: Transforming the Nation” exhibition, Najib said it was a “tribute to the sterling example, contribution and sacrifice of the civil service” to the country.
