Ex-PSD DG to take legal action

PUTRAJAYA - Former public services department (PSD) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah who was sacked will be taking legal action against those who allegedly attempted to ruin his reputation.

In a statement today, Shafiq said there were several efforts by certain parties to do so through various media channels.

“I had never threatened the public interest in any services and action during my time as PSD director-general," he said.

He said he was not given a reasonable notice regarding the termination of his service.

"The termination letter was dated Dec 1, but was only submitted and came into effect yesterday (Monday)," he said.

Shafiq claimed that ever since he held the position on Feb 10, there were efforts to prevent him from carrying out his duty efficiently when several important meetings regarding promotion were delayed by the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) as the chairman of the meetings such as the Public Services Promotion Board meetings.

"I could not just make decisions to appoint and give promotions to civil servants because it had to go through a board meeting," he said.

Shafiq, 58, said the delays in holding the board meetings had caused many important positions to be vacant and could not be filled immediately, especially at the top management level of ministries and agencies.

He said the previous cabinet decided not to consider the continuation of the service of civil servants on a contractual basis for those who have retired.

This, he claimed was because it would put a financial burden on the government by paying pensions and salaries at the same time.

The implementation of the decision of the Cabinet could not be implemented immediately due to pressure from stakeholders.

"I am upset with the government's decision on the termination,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shafiq advised public officials to be loyal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the ruling government, uphold the principles of integrity, say no to corruption and prioritise the well-being of the people.

"In order to protect the good name and interest of public service members, this government's decision would be scrutinised in depth, if it is appropriate and necessary, a legal review would be initiated,” he said.

Shafiq was appointed to the position replacing Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman who went on a mandatory retirement on Jan 16, 2022.

Earlier, Shafiq's termination letter dated Dec 1 and signed by Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali with it being effective on Monday went viral.

The decision to terminate his contract was made after going through all the procedures for the Termination in the Public Interest (PDKA) and scrutinised for regularity by the Attorney General's Chambers.

The termination was made in accordance with Regulation 49(3) of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 and his retirement in accordance with subsection 10(5)(d) of the Pensions Act 1980 which allows him to enjoy the retirement benefits he is entitled to.

Previously, Shafiq was involved in a controversy when he was accused of uttering abusive words against an Immigration officer on duty at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The Public Service Department however denied the accusation and explained that Shafiq had only reprimanded the Immigration Department officials particularly the officer identified as James Lee over non-compliance of practices and procedures.

However, several parties urged Shafiq to resign honorably as a result of his moral issues which were deemed to tarnish the image of the public service.