Dr M: Be loyal to country, not to 'past leader or party'

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reminded civil servants to be loyal to the country, and not to any past leader or political party that have damaged the country's reputation. 

Speaking at a monthly assembly at the Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya this morning, Mahathir noted that in the past, some civil servants had pledged their loyalty to certain leaders.

"If the country is being well-governed, then it should receive loyalty from us (civil servants), but when misappropriation occurs, the priority should be (loyalty) to the country, instead of a particular party, leader, or ideology. 

"This is what we should remember so that the country remains peaceful and we can build it in our best interests," he said. 

"Leaders are important, but more important is the country," stressed Mahathir, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairperson.

He did not mention any names in his speech.

Mahathir cautioned that the civil servants could become victims themselves if they pledged blind loyalty to the leaders and parties that were no longer beneficial to the country.

They should not be so obsessed with such leaders and parties until they forget their duty to their country, he added.

Mahathir noted that civil servants needed to shift their loyalty to the administration that brings good to the country.

"The people chose to change the (BN-ruled) government and of course the sense of unhappiness and uncertainties would arise because we have given allegiance to one particular group for 61 years.

"But now, we need to give our loyalty to the government that comprises the enemies of the past government.

"We can give our loyalty to the people or the political party for the time being if they fulfil the needs of the country," Mahathir added. - Mkini