PUTRAJAYA: Civil servants suspected of involvement in “immoral” or same-sex activities following a raid at a spa and wellness centre in the capital last Saturday could face dismissal or demotion if found guilty.
Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz stressed that integrity units in each ministry and agency may continue internal investigations into any civil servant suspected of engaging in unethical conduct.
He said strict action can be taken if the civil servant is found guilty under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993].
“All civil servants are bound by the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993], particularly paragraph 4(2)(d), which stipulates that an officer must not behave in a manner that tarnishes the reputation of the public service.
“The government has clear guidelines for addressing disciplinary issues among civil servants. Under these provisions, officers can face dismissal or demotion if found guilty,” he said today.
It was reported on Saturday that 201 men, including visitors to a wellness centre in the capital, were detained on suspicion of engaging in same-sex activities during a raid on a gym and sauna in Chow Kit.
Of those detained, 17 were civil servants, including surgeons, deputy public prosecutors, administrative and diplomatic officers, teachers, and enforcement agency personnel.
However, 171 local men held during the raid were released on bail after their remand applications were denied.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the PSD takes criminal or misconduct cases involving civil servants seriously, including immoral activities or same-sex conduct.
“The PSD upholds the rule of law. Any actions taken by the authorities, such as the police or religious enforcement agencies, will be fully investigated.
“Any behaviour that tarnishes the reputation of the civil service constitutes a serious breach of integrity and conduct,” he said, adding that the incident is isolated and does not reflect the character of the majority of civil servants.
“To strengthen integrity and prevent similar incidents in the future, department heads are instructed to monitor the lifestyle and behaviour of their officers.
“Instilling good values through Integrity Units in every ministry and department should be intensified, including regular psychological and character assessments.
“Additionally, talks or courses focusing on officers’ personal development and promoting a healthy lifestyle are recommended across all ministries and departments,” he said.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan also encouraged the public to continue acting as the eyes and ears of the government by reporting any civil servant misconduct through the official Public Complaint Management System (SISPAA) for prompt action.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
