KOTA KINABALU – Sabah will be initiating action against a senior civil officer attached to the Sabah Wildlife Department over alleged sexual harassment charges brought by a former staffer.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said action will be taken against the officer under the Civil Service Regulations 209(2)(a) and 209(2)(b) that states Sabah public officers must not commit sexual harassment against others.
He added the case was linked to a written status update on Facebook on October 18.
“He has admitted that his action has tainted the good name of the civil service,” the minister said in a statement today.
Jafry named the offending officer, believed to be the chief veterinarian.
Earlier today, a joint statement issued by Sabah Civil Society Organisations - Platform for Reform called on the state government to take action against the officer.
It alleged that the officer had on October 19 uploaded a photo of three young women with a caption containing a slur to Facebook, but took down the post shortly after and put up an amended caption with a short apology.
The group also cited a former department staff member, based on their letter to the state Wildlife Department director dated July 5, 2019, alleging misappropriation of funds – “not properly allocated to the necessary services, salaries were not paid in full, while used lavishly on unnecessary and inappropriate expenses”.
“More incriminating information has just been released yesterday on her Facebook, showing screenshots of inappropriate messages sent via WhatsApp.
“We believe that this is cause for concern as this involves public funds. We are also concerned with the disrespectful behaviour and treatment towards women working in the department,” said the statement.
The statement was signed by 31 NGOs and 289 individuals.
On the alleged misappropriation of funds, Jafry said the department has sought reports from the Malaysian Palm Oil Council chief over the unit’s expenditure.
“In a report given, the use of funds other than for the use of work is allowed at the discretion of the officer in charge of finances.”
However, Jafry said action will be taken against said officer soon, adding that the ministry will not hesitate to take action against any staff who abuse their power. – The Vibes, October 22, 2021
