KUALA LUMPUR – The government has yet to take disciplinary action against an estimated 28,800 civil servants who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad.
He told the Dewan Rakyat today that based on figures collected by the Infectious Disease Research Centre and Public Service Department (PSD), unvaccinated civil servants account for 1.8% of the total 1.6 million workforce.
However, he said a circular on disciplinary action has been enforced on November 1, adding that a fair and just process must be carried out before punitive measures are taken.
“On why we issued the circular that came into effect starting the first (date) of this month (November), it is to ensure the delivery of services is not affected.
“The due process of action involves department heads issuing show-cause letters, whereby the civil servants are given 21 days to answer to the letter.”
Latiff was responding to a question by Chan Foong Hin (Kota Kinabalu-PH) on the number of civil servants who have faced action after the circular was enforced.
Chan said there are at least seven forms of punishment listed in the circular that could be applied to errant civil servants.
Latiff noted that domestic inquiry and disciplinary committees will be formed by the respective departments, if the explanation given by unvaccinated civil servants is unsatisfactory.
“It is true that there are many types of actions, including warnings and reprimands. We can also withhold promotions and salaries.
“Whatever it is, the process of justice must be carried out well.”
Responding to a follow-up question by Datuk Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh (Sabak Bernam-Bersatu) on 2,500 teachers who have yet to face action, Latiff said this is because PSD is ensuring that the delivery of education is at an optimum level.
“(For example,) this means that teachers trained in mathematics and (who) did not want to receive vaccines, are no longer deemed to be carrying out their role as an educator,” said Latiff.
“We can transfer them to other places (departments), but this does not solve the problem. That is why the cabinet – on actions to be taken against civil servants – is within its rights, taking into account the interest of the delivery of services (to the public).” – The Vibes, November 10, 2021
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