Transfer order out next week for 50 in ‘sensitive posts’

PUTRAJAYA: The transfer order for the 50 civil servants holding “sensitive posts” will be out in a week, and more personnel are being identified for the rotation of service policy.

Public Service Department (PSD) directorgeneral Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal said it had required a bit of time to identify those to be transferred as well as the right position for them.

“This, we have done. So I can safely say that within a week, those identified will receive their transfer letter,” he said after launching the 1Serve JPA4U transit lounge yesterday.

Mohamad Zaibidi said the transfer of these 50 civil servants was only the initial stage, adding that others would also be sent to other ministries and agencies as required.

Those involved, he said, were from various grades – from senior officers to lower ranking staff – and that they could not appeal against their transfers.

On Monday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said those holding “sensitive posts”, including in procurement, finance and the awarding of contracts, could only stay for a maximum of five years.

The transfers came after the Youth and Sports Ministry embezzlement case in which a finance division officer was said to have pilfered some RM100mil over six years.

However, Dr Ali clarified that the 50 officers being rotated to other ministries or agencies were merely adhering to a public service circular and not because they were suspected of any wrongdoing.

Earlier, Mohamad Zabidi outlined a few criteria which civil servants, particularly the front liners, must have to provide the best service to the public.

“Service with a smile is a must. They must also be willing to listen to the problems which the public brings to them and show empathy.”

An initiative of the PSD, the 1Serve JPA4U counter services at Complex C here kicked off last November and as at March, 17,000 service transactions have been conducted.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has lauded the Government for taking up its suggestion to rotate civil servants.

“We believe that this will help boost a working culture that is high in integrity among civil servants. If this is implemented effectively, the rotation system can minimise opportunity for corruption, resulting in less leakages and better administration,” it said.