Administrative and diplomatic officers must maintain professionalism during service - PPTD president

PUTRAJAYA,  Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Administrative and diplomatic officers (PTDs) must always maintain professionalism throughout their service in the government, says Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic Service Association (PPTD) president Datuk Isham Ishak.

"I advise PTDs to always maintain their professionalism, which means they don't have any divisions in terms of support for politicians.

"With their professionalism, they have the ability and knowledge to govern the country well," said Isham - who is also the secretary-general of the Ministry of Transport - after launching the ‘My PPTD Care’ programme here today.

My PPTD Care, an initiative of PPTD through public-private collaboration, aims to help association members through insurance protection schemes, vehicle purchases and various other privileges.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during a meeting with staff of the Prime Minister's Department, was reported to have said that civil servants should defend the government from various allegations and slander that the administration had failed.

Ismail Sabri said civil servants should defend the government by looking at him as the head of the government, and not as a political party leader.

Meanwhile, Isham said PTD played an important role in the smooth running of the government administration, especially when the country was faced with various challenges.

"One of the challenges of civil servants is the comments that come from various parties, some through social media, official media, comments and blogs, as well as writings.

"What worries PTD now is that these netizens may not understand the work done by civil servants. Therefore, it is the responsibility of civil servants to always provide the people with the latest information so that they understand," he said.

-- BERNAMA