Action on MACC officers had nothing to do with core duties - PSD DG

In a statement here today, Mohamad Zabidi said the action taken on the two was based on PSD's General Orders and the Civil Service Regulations, namely Regulation 19 of the Civil Service Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.

Mohamad Zabidi said MACC officers were part of the civil service and subject to the General Orders and the Civil Service Regulations, specifically relating to conduct and discipline.

In connection with this, he said, the MACC officers were also subject to the MACC Code of Ethical Conduct which clearly stated, among others, the prohibition on any MACC officer to make a public statement without the permission of the MACC Chief Commissioner or to openly express any dissatisfaction about the MACC and the government.

"This includes the prohibition to give any views which may cause restlessness among the public towards members of the government administration and other agencies," he said.

Mohamad Zabidi said a meeting was held here on Aug 10 involving Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Dr Sri Ali Hamsa, himself, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner Datuk Mustafar Ali and the two MACC officers concerned, namely its Special Operations Director Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin and Strategic Communications director Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob.

He said Bahri and Rohaizad were told that the action taken against them was based on the General Orders and the Civil Service Regulations.

Last Monday, Ali cancelled the transfer of the two MACC officers to the Prime Minister's Department.