Be neutral, Selangor state secretary tells his officers

SHAH ALAM (March 13, 2008): Selangor state secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud has told his officers to be neutral in carrying out their work and to remember that it is their duty to serve the government of the day. “I have met with all heads of department in the state and told them that it’s our job to follow the instructions from the new government of the day,” he said. “It will be business as usual, unless there are issues and matters involving changes in policies,” he added. Ramli said that some tasks and duties have been postponed until the new mentri besar is elected, but other than that it is work as usual. Speaking on allegations that state government documents have been removed or shredded, Ramli said: “There is a record of all government files, and anyone who removes files from the state secretariat building can be charged.” We have heightened security around the building, a measure that applies even when the situation is stable, he said. “I thank PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and PAS (Parti Se-Islam Malaysia) members for not storming into any state buildings and assure them that all files and documents will be secured for the new state government’s use,” he added. On questions over disputes arising due to the management of community centres and other properties which used to be under the control of some Barisan Nasional component parties, Ramli advised: “Until the new government assumes control, don’t act on your own.” “We’ll wait for new instructions and if there is a new committee formed, the keys will be handed over via the appropriate process and regulations,” he said. On the fate of state officers, Ramli said there are three categories of state officers – those who are contracted, those who are appointed by the state under the state services commission and those appointed by the federal government via the public services commission. Those appointed by the federal government occupy federal positions and if the officer is not performing up to expectations, they can be replaced – but only with another federal officer, he said. Ramli said as for state-appointed officers, their services can be terminated but only via the due process.

Maria J. Dass The Sun ; Updated: 01:41AM Thu, 13 Mar 2008