Policy direction clear, civil service upholds governance without fear or favour: Dr Ali Hamsa

PUTRAJAYA: The policy direction under the administration of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is very clear, whereby, the civil service will abide strictly to the rule of law and uphold governance without fear or favour.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said the civil service has also pledged unconditional support for the government and uphold all its principles of administration.
He was speaking to Bernama when asked to comment on Mahathir's reminder in asking the staff of the administration to play an important role as people who have pledged to serve the country without fear or favour.
In his first official meeting with the civil servants today, Mahathir said if administrators were told to do something contrary to the laws of the country, then it is their responsibility not to accept such instructions.
"We have seen, in the last few years, that administrators had no power to reprimand or oppose instructions which went against the law," said the prime minister.
Today is Mahathir's first official meeting with the civil servants, after he was sworn in as the seventh Prime Minister on May 11, following Pakatan Harapan's (PH) win in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Meanwhile, director-general of Public Service Department (KPPA) Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman felt that Mahathir's reminder was most apt and should be fulfilled by all civil servants in line with the regulations and laws stipulated in driving national development.
He said civil servants must initiate new action by obeying the laws and regulations stipulated to ensure that they maintained integrity and honesty in discharging their duties and responsibilities.
"The explanation by Tun Dr Mahathir must be instilled in their soul to convince the civil servants in driving development and discharging their duties with full commitment and dedication," he told Bernama when contacted today.
Meanwhile, a civil servant especially a senior officer must have the capability to give correct advice when an issue arose involving conflict of interests so that they could discharge their duties with trust.
"If the matter is correct, then say yes and if it is wrong, one must be brave to say no in discharging his or her duty. Don't just follow like before.
"Mahathir's way is — you must be daring to advise and daring to say if it is right or wrong. I think this is right and very good practice. I am very happy," he added. — Bernama