Proposal for action against civil servants who refuse Covid vaccine

 

The Public Service Department (PSD) will submit to the National Security Council (NSC) a proposal on action that can be taken against civil servants who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The PSD, in a statement yesterday, said the proposals include a directive to make it compulsory for all civil servants to take the vaccine, except those who have strong reasons to be exempted on health grounds.

According to the PSD, almost 98 percent of civil servants have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

"This matter should be given priority to give confidence and assurance to the public who have to deal with civil servants at government premises," said the PSD.

The department said the vaccination effort should be given priority to return government services to fully operational levels.

On Sept 4, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat suggested that the government issues a special circular on civil servants who have yet to take the Covid-19 jabs by explaining the actions to be taken on them.

The PSD said several measures could be taken by the respective ministries or departments, based on the current regulations, to ensure that civil servants as a whole would take their Covid-19 vaccine.

In principle, civil servants are subject to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993].

They have to comply with the existing rules, including the matter of attendance on duty in the office when directed by their department heads.

“We must protect ourselves before we can protect others,” the PSD said.

- Bernama