Freeze in civil service jobs since April?

Sarawak Report says leaked government circular calls for 'optimum use of human resources'.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government is believed to have frozen all recruitment in the civil service from April, as part of moves to ensure “optimum use of human resources” according to a leaked circular.

Sarawak Report, quoting from what it said was a copy of the document, sent out by the director-general of public services, Mohd Zabidi Zainal.

The Public Services Department is in overall charge of recruitment and employment of government servants.

Recruitment and the creation of new positions were frozen for all departments and agencies from April 22, except for candidates already called for interviews or trainees for pre-service programmes, and trainees who have completed pre-service programmes.

Sarawak Report said the government should be transparent and explain to what extent critical services and appointments might be affected. It also asked if the freeze would exclude replacing key personnel such as team leaders or professional experts who retire or resign.

The website’s report comes in the wake of its extensive coverage of the financial dealings and investments of the debt-ridden government company 1Malaysia Development Bhd, which have led to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad launching a wave of attacks against Najib Razak, urging the prime minister and Umno president to resign.

The lavish lifestyle of Najib’s family, and reports of the extravagant celebrations of his daughter’s recent wedding, have also fuelled criticisms of Najib.