Civil Servants Warned Against Rally Participation

Top Official Cites Loyalty Pledge

Government employees have been firmly cautioned against joining an upcoming rally in Kuala Lumpur, with a senior official emphasizing that such actions contradict their sworn duties. The directive comes as anticipation builds for a significant public gathering.

Upholding National Principles

Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, stressed that civil servants should refrain from attending the assembly scheduled for Saturday, July 26. He asserted that participation would be inconsistent with the fundamental principle of ‘Loyalty to King and Country’ embedded within the Rukun Negara (National Principles).

“They shouldn’t go. They are civil servants, (so) how can they join? Every day, every week, we recite the Loyalty to King and Country pledge. Have they forgotten? Be grateful to the King and the Country.”

—Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government

Shamsul Azri made these remarks to journalists following the launch of the Sports Carnival for the MRSM Association of Former Students (ANSARA Malaysia) in Putrajaya.

Anticipating Large Turnout

Earlier in the day, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) projected a substantial attendance for the ‘Himpunan Turun Anwar’ rally, estimating between 10,000 and 15,000 participants. The rally is slated to take place in the nation’s capital.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had previously confirmed that the PDRM would provide assistance in facilitating the rally. He assured that police would manage security professionally, urging all attendees to adhere to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

The directive to civil servants highlights the government’s stance on maintaining neutrality and adherence to official duties. In Malaysia, public sector employees represent a significant portion of the workforce, and their political engagement is often subject to specific regulations. For instance, in 2023, approximately 1.7 million people were employed in the Malaysian public sector, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2023).