Civil Servants Barred From Attending Functions That Serve Alcoholic Beverages - CUEPACS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Civil servants are not allowed to be involved in any activities or events that include alcoholic beverages (liquor) or any form of alcoholic drinks.

The President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said that, on the contrary, every officer must uphold the integrity, image, and dignity of the public service, in line with the professionalism and code of conduct stipulated in the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

He said that participation in activities that could tarnish the reputation of the department or create a negative perception of the government is absolutely unacceptable.

“CUEPACS advises any civil servant who receives an invitation to a dinner, official, or unofficial banquet that is suspected of including alcoholic drinks to immediately seek confirmation from the organiser.

“If there is doubt or information that the event involves alcoholic drinks, civil servants should decline the invitation and immediately report it to the relevant authorities or their head of department for further action,” he said in a statement today.

Adnan said CUEPACS also urged the private sector and industry to respect the culture and religious sensitivities, especially in official events also attended by civil servants. He is of the view that this measure is important to ensure that every official or unofficial event does not offend any party and is in line with the moral values and culture of Malaysian society.

“CUEPACS also calls on all government departments and agencies to be more cautious in selecting events or programmes they participate in to avoid creating a bad perception of civil servants and to ensure the image of the public service remains respected by the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) proposed that the government consider formulating a National Official Events Code of Ethics that includes comprehensive guidelines on the procedure for organising official events, including the prohibition of serving liquor, decent attire, discipline in the use of public resources, and etiquette in state protocol.

ABIM Secretary-General Muhamad Aliemran Norasid said the code would strengthen the integrity and authority of the nation’s administration in line with the Malaysia MADANI values and the spirit of the Rukun Negara (National Principles).

“ABIM also emphasises that appropriate action should be taken against any party who violates the National Official Events Code of Ethics that could tarnish the nation’s image, diminish the noble values of courtesy and morality, and spark polemics of societal division,” he said in a statement.

He said official events of the government and public institutions are a reflection of the nation’s image and should demonstrate high moral responsibility, professional conduct, and courtesy.

“The serving of alcohol at official events is not in line with the principles of moderation, courtesy, and respect that form the backbone of our administrative culture,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Mufti of Pahang, Prof Datuk Dr Asmadi Mohamed Naim, said that while the right of non-Muslims to consume alcohol privately is respected, it should not be served at government events.

He said that if it is true that government events are serving alcohol, it is deeply disappointing as it contradicts Islamic teachings and beliefs, as well as the MADANI concept championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“In my view, serving alcohol at official government events is inappropriate and unacceptable, regardless of whether it is funded by government money or sponsored by the industry,” he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA