MOHD Shafiq Abdullah, who was relieved of his position as Public Service Department director-general, will sue the government over his dismissal. 

In a statement this afternoon, the former top civil servant expressed shock over the decision to end his tenure as he had served almost three decades in the civil service. 

“I am dissatisfied with the termination and will take legal action against those involved in this act of ill-will against me despite contributing my energy and thoughts for 30 years in the public service,” Shafiq said. 

He said that he only received his termination letter from Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali yesterday although the letter was dated December 1. His termination was also effective yesterday.

“I was not given sufficient notice,” he said.

He also defended his work, saying that he had implemented many measures to improve the work culture, including cutting down red tape.

He said his method to improve public services was not welcomed by some groups of civil servants.

“As such, several efforts were undertaken to damage my image and reputation via the social media and media,” he said.

He added that his work was also impeded when appointments and promotions in the civil service (which fell under his jurisdiction) had been delayed by the chief secretary to the government by postponing important meetings.

“The delays in holding these meetings had resulted in many important positions in the civil service remaining vacant,” he said.

It was earlier reported that Zuki had confirmed Shafiq’s termination.

Zuki had said the termination of Shafiq’s services was in line with rule 49(3) of the Public Officers Regulations Act (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.  

He added that Shafiq, 58, had been retired in accordance with subsection 10(5)(d) of the Pensions Act 1980, which allowed him to enjoy the retirement benefits to which he was entitled. 

While it is unclear why Shafiq had been “sacked”, a viral image of a letter from Zuki to Shafiq said that decision was made on the grounds of public interest. 

Shafiq was appointed PSD director-general on February 10 this year.  

Just months into his new posting, Shafiq was involved in a controversy in August after an immigration officer complained that Shafiq had berated him in public.  

An official complaint was lodged by the Immigration Department, which led to an investigation ordered by Zuki.  

However, it is uncertain if his removal is related to this incident.  

Prior to his appointment as PSD chief, Shafiq was health ministry secretary-general.  

Shafiq, who has been in the civil service for 30 years, began his career as assistant secretary in the Prime Minister’s Department’s Protocol Division on December 1, 1992.  

Apart from Shafiq’s removal, the government is also reported to be looking at replacing Treasury Secretary-General Asri Hamidin. – December 13, 2022.