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CIVIL servants have been warned not to engage in political activities which include not wearing symbols, holding political positions or conducting campaigns, except with permission in certain cases.
This is contained in a circular signed by the Director-General of the Public Service Department, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
"The public service should be professional, fair and impartial in accordance with the principles of 'neutrality' and 'impartiality' to ensure the people's confidence in civil servants as the backbone of the country's administration," he said in a letter dated July 23, 2025 as reported by Berita Harian.
Therefore, civil servants are reminded that any violation of the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action under the Civil Servants (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
This includes the officer involved being subject to a warning, fine, forfeiture of emoluments, suspension of salary movement, reduction in salary, demotion or dismissal - depending on the seriousness of the offense committed.
In addition to the ban on political activities, the letter also outlines the demands on civil servants to show unwavering loyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Head of State, to Malaysia as a sovereign country, and to the government.
In the circular, civil servants are also required to work honestly, efficiently, responsibly, obey instructions and avoid any misconduct.
They are also reminded not to get caught up in abuse of power, conflict of interest and actions that can tarnish the image of the public service.
"All civil servants have signed an Undertaking as provided for in the Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012.
"This undertaking is a written commitment by civil servants to comply with government regulations and instructions throughout their period of service," the letter said.
The same letter also reminded civil servants that they are prohibited from making public statements without permission.
They are not allowed to make public statements such as spreading false, defamatory, provocative or unverified information, publishing articles or spreading information verbally or in writing, including on social media.
The ban on making public statements includes matters related to government policy, internal department information or issues that may raise doubts or negative perceptions about the credibility of the public service.
"Any positive public statement can only be made with written permission from the minister," the circular further stated.
Last Sunday, Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, reminded civil servants not to join the opposition-organised rally scheduled to take place this Saturday.
Shamsul Azri was quoted as saying that civil servants must abide by the pledges enshrined in the Rukun Negara. – July 24, 2025