Ali Hamsa's backing for Ku Nan is shocking, says Kit Siang

Chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa's stand that it is not a problem to urge teachers to join Umno has earned the wrath of DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang.

In a statement today, Lim said Ali's statement was both "shocking" and a "faux pas".

"Would Ali say that teachers can join DAP and the other Pakatan Harapan component parties?

"If not, can the 13th chief secretary point out where in the (public service) General Orders is it stated that teachers can join Umno but not DAP and the other Harapan component parties?

"Can teachers expect some clarity, since Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said in March that teachers who supported the opposition and criticised the government should leave the profession?" Lim asked.

Yesterday evening, Ali was asked to comment on a function at SK Putrajaya Presint 14 (1) on Tuesday, where Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor urged teachers to join Umno.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Ali replied: "I have no problem with it."

'Civil servants must resist'

Ali declined to comment when posed questions about regulations that prohibit teachers from taking part in politics.

The federal government has come under fire after the SK Putrajaya Presint 14 (1) event not only saw Tengku Adnan peppering his speech with bits of politics, but also because Umno flags were seen all over the school and the schoolchildren were made to sing the Umno song.

The organisers have yet to address this issue, but they instead tried to draw attention to the fact that the event was a competition, where students re-enacted scenes involving Umno's role in Malaysia's road to Independence.

Meanwhile, Lim, the Gelang Patah MP, urged civil service officers to resist political pressure to campaign for Umno and BN because their loyalty lies with the taxpayers.

"The civil service must be mindful that it is non-partisan and serves the government of the day, whether Umno, BN or Pakatan Harapan, to further the interests of the people and country.

"The civil service owes loyalty to the people and nation and not to any political party or coalition, as civil servants are paid from the taxes levied on Malaysians and not from the pockets of the prime minister or party coffers of any coalition of parties," Lim added.- Mkini