Zahid vows to shield civil servants from political pressure

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has warned against attempts to exert political pressure on civil servants, urging them to maintain their focus on their duties without entanglement in political affairs. As the rural and regional development minister, Zahid criticized instances where civil servants were summoned for questioning related to their attendance at ministry programs during election periods in certain states.

He did not disclose the names of those allegedly pressuring the civil servants, but mentioned that the individuals responsible were in high-ranking positions. In his speech at the ministry's monthly assembly, Zahid assured that he would shield the civil servants from such political pressures, emphasizing his professionalism in the matter and adherence to proper regulations and legal procedures.

Zahid stressed that while civil servants should be cognizant of political developments and understand the background of government policies, they must refrain from engaging in partisan politics. He underscored the necessity of keeping politics and administration separate, highlighting the importance of professionalism among civil servants to uphold integrity in their duties for the nation and its people.

He highlighted that despite the current political tensions, particularly following the recent state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, the unity government's formation was based on a mutual agreement that it would remain in place until the dissolution of Parliament. Zahid emphasized that as long as there is no dissolution, the federal administration would continue its operations, and all the responsibilities entrusted to it by the public would be fulfilled as scheduled.