AGC warns civil servants of disciplinary action for participating in rallies

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) today emphasized that civil servants are subject to directives issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN), which prohibit their participation in public rallies.

In a statement, the AGC warned that failure to comply with regulations such as P.U. (A) 1/2012, P.U. (A) 395/1993, General Orders, circulars, service circulars, and other official instructions may lead to disciplinary action under P.U. (A) 395/1993.

“While Articles 10(1)(a) and 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution guarantee the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, these rights are not absolute,” the statement read.

The clarification came after Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar last week reminded civil servants not to take part in a planned rally in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday. He stated that such participation would conflict with the principle of Loyalty to the King and Country, as outlined in the Rukun Negara.

The AGC also noted that all public officers are bound by a Letter of Undertaking under subregulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointments, Promotions and Termination of Services) Regulations 2012 [P.U. (A) 1/2012].

“This Letter of Undertaking requires civil servants to comply with all relevant regulations, including the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993], General Orders, circulars, and any directives issued by the Government throughout their tenure,” it said.

The AGC further stressed that under P.U. (A) 1/2012 and P.U. (A) 395/1993, civil servants must consistently uphold loyalty to the King, the nation, and the government.

“They must not engage in any actions that would damage the civil service’s reputation or make public statements that could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the government,” the statement concluded. — Bernama