PUTRAJAYA — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has vowed to shield civil servants from political intimidation, warning unnamed senior officials against interrogating government officers for fulfilling their official duties during state election campaigns.
Speaking at the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development’s monthly assembly on Thursday (Aug 6), Zahid revealed that several ministry officials had been summoned and questioned over their attendance at official ministry functions held in states undergoing elections.
“I know some of you standing before me have been summoned, likely facing pressure because of the ongoing political conflict,” said Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister. “Continue serving and carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to you according to proper regulations and legal channels. I will protect you.”
Neutrality vs. Official Duties
Under Malaysian civil service regulations, public sector employees are mandated to maintain strict political neutrality and are barred from taking part in partisan campaigning. However, Zahid defended his officers, maintaining that their presence at state-level ministry events was strictly operational rather than political.
“What is wrong with officers attending ministry events simply because they coincide with states holding elections?” Zahid asked. “Don’t punish them for carrying out their duties for the government of the day.”
Issuing a direct warning to high-ranking figures behind the inquiries, Zahid added: “To those above, please remember and be mindful.”
Reassuring Stability Post-State Polls
Addressing heightened anxieties among public servants following recent state election outcomes in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, Zahid emphasized that federal administration remains stable.
He reiterated that political contests at the state level do not alter the federal mandate or the binding agreement under the Unity Government framework.
“The Unity Government was established on a clear agreement that it will remain intact until Parliament is dissolved,” Zahid reaffirmed. “As long as there is no dissolution, the federal government will function, administration will proceed, and every responsibility entrusted to us will be carried out as usual.”
