The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) has stressed that civil servants in Malaysia are forbidden from using social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook while on duty. CUEPACS President Dato’ Dr. Adnan Mat explained to Harian Metro that civil servants need to be completely focused on their tasks during work hours as outlined in the official circular issued by the Public Service Department (JPA) in June 2013.
He went on to say that the use of social media while on duty, with the exception of official tasks, can negatively impact productivity. Additionally, social media use in this manner can be considered a violation of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U (A) 395/1993]. As such, public workers are urged by the organisation to adhere to these guidelines so as to maintain the integrity and professionalism of civil service.
Additionally, JPA and the Public Service Commission (SPA) have measures for monitoring adherence to the regulations. A record of violations is also kept, although the number of civil servants who have faced disciplinary action for such transgressions has not been disclosed.
Dato’ Dr. Adnan Mat reiterated the need for civil servants to always maintain appropriate conduct, including while on social media, so as to preserve the dignity and reputation of civil service in the public’s eye. He also encouraged the use of social media as a tool for sharing constructive information and to avoid using the platforms to tarnish the name of the government and other organisations.
(Source: Harian Metro)
