NGO moots action against chief sec for not inviting opposition MBs, CMs

CORONAVIRUS | The government must consider disciplinary action against chief secretary to the government Mohd Zuki Ali, said the Centre for a Better Tomorrow (Cenbet).

This is over the failure to invite the menteris besar and chief ministers from Pakatan Harapan and Warisan-controlled states to the special meeting on Covid-19 convened by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Cenbet co-president Gan Ping Sieu said oversight of such magnitude during a time of public health crisis is unacceptable.

“One can only wonder if he is fit to carry out his duties, especially in the coming days and weeks where utmost professionalism and impartiality is required to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“A national crisis decision-making process requires responses, deliberations and decision making from all state government leaders.

“This was not a usual meeting to discuss and update the implementation issues of federal government projects, where the involvement of state development directors may be sufficient,” he added in a statement this afternoon.

Gan (photo) said as the highest-ranking civil servant, Zuki's role is to evaluate and offer valuable advice to the government.

“Keeping political neutrality, maintaining the independence and professionalism of our civil service institution is the primary duty of our head of civil service.

“It is disconcerting to have a chief secretary whose conduct cannot stand up to public scrutiny and whose impartiality has come into question. It runs counter to the principle of good governance that Cenbet promotes.

“A commensurate disciplinary action against the chief secretary will be seen as an important step in restoring public confidence in the new administration of the country,” he added.

Yesterday, Zuki apologised on behalf of the meeting secretariat for the “mistake” of only inviting the state development directors of Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah. 

He said the prime minister made it clear that he wants to work with all state government regardless of political allegiance on matters of national importance.

“The prime minister had ordered that all menteris besar and chief ministers are to be invited to future special meetings to curtain the spread of Covid-19,” he added.

Former premier Najib Abdul Razak also criticised Putrajaya for not inviting the leaders of opposition-controlled states for the meeting.

He said that during crises and threats, Malaysians need to come together.  - Mkini