MPS chief's transfer at MB's request, says Ali Hamsa

The termination of secondment of Zainal Abidin A'ala as the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) president, which took effect yesterday, was made upon a request from the Selangor government, said chief secretary to the government.

Ali Hamsa (right) said he was informed by the Selangor state secretary, through a letter dated Oct 15, 2012, that Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had decided to have another officer replace Zainal Abidin.

"Taking into account the decision made by the Selangor menteri besar and the local authority, the Public Service Department (PSD) had on Nov 6 issued a letter of approval for the proposed termination of secondment of Zainal Abidin as MPS president effective Nov 15, 2012.

"The transfer letter for Zainal Abidin was issued on Nov 9, stating that he will be transferred to the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) effective Nov 15, 2012 in line with the request from the Selangor government," he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Zainal Abidin's sudden transfer to Intan had sparked controversy as it was said to be connected with a 29-storey condominium project next to Batu Caves, Selangor.

Ali said in order to fill the vacant top post at the council, the PSD had submitted the names of 14 suitable candidates for the Selangor government's consideration, but it was learnt that the Selangor government already had their preferred candidate.

Khalwat and monkey

When asked on the position of Health director-general Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman, who had pleaded guilty to committing khalwat or close proximity with Wan Syarifah Nooraazmanita Wan Hassan, also an officer with the Health Ministry, Ali said the couple would face disciplinary action according to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

He said the ministry's secretary-general had also notified the Public Service Commission (PSC) which would decide the type of punishment to be imposed on the duo, including whether to issue a warning letter, fines, curtailment of emoluments and demotion.

The couple were also ordered to take leave pending decision by the PSC, he said.

Ali, however, did not dismiss the possibility that a new health director-general would be appointed.

Meanwhile, in response to Petaling Jaya City Council member Derek Fernandez's (left) remarks branding civil servants as 'monkeys', Ali said it was indeed an insult to civil servants.

He said people should be careful and learn their facts before making any statements.

"I'm leaving it to the civil servants to decide on this.

"We are human beings, none of us are monkeys, I do not think we should be labelled as monkeys," he said.

In his response to PSD's candidates for the post of Petaling Jaya mayor, Fernandez was reported by an English daily last Monday as saying: "Let's see who the candidates are. If they are going to nominate some monkeys, we will reject."

- Bernama