By V.K. Chin

                  THE conduct of civil servants is governed strictly by the General Orders which
                  they must follow without wavering. Among other things, they are expected to be
                  loyal to the King and country and to implement the policies of the government of
                  the day.

                  In fact, all of them have to promise that they will adhere strictly to these
                  conditions or else disciplinary action can be taken against them. In addition,
                  they are expected to be obedient, disciplined and cannot divulge official
                  secrets.

                  If they should be involved in malpractice it will mean more than just being
                  suspended or dismissed. From this alone, it can be seen that civil servants
                  have to operate in a strait-jacket leaving them with little room to manoeuvre.

                  Unfortunately there is a small group of them who are deviating from the civil
                  service creed. They seem to be dictated by their own political beliefs or support
                  for certain politicians or parties.

                  This is a very unhealthy trend and it is necessary for the Government or the
                  Public Services Department to take immediate action so that the rot will not
                  spread.

                  Since civil servants are expected to support the policies of the government of
                  the day, they must not allow their individual or political philosophy to cloud their
                  actions.

                  They can of course have their own views when it comes to politics or certain
                  government policies. But it is not their business to do anything to sabotage
                  them or to demonstrate their political stance by actions detrimental to national
                  interest.

                  There is nothing to stop them from voting for any political party in an election
                  but their work must not be affected. If they should feel very strongly that they
                  cannot agree with the Government, they should resign and work elsewhere.

                  The PSD will be doing the nation a great disservice if it should fail to take strong
                  action against such dissidents. Of course they can be given counselling and if
                  they can be rehabilitated so much the better.

                  Some of these individuals may have their own axes to grind against the system
                  and are really not anti-government as such. But for those who are not prepared
                  to change then it is time to let them go.

                  Based on reports and feedback, it would appear that some teachers, including
                  university lecturers, and students are quite angry with the Government and may
                  be using the present political division to display their unhappiness.

                  However, there seems to be a change for the better following the dialogue
                  sessions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other
                  government leaders.

                  With the Barisan Youth movements taking a more proactive role in dealing with
                  the students and lecturers, the situation is likely to improve further and having
                  more sessions to inform them of what the Government is doing will make it
                  more difficult for the dissidents to poison these young minds.