MELAKA: It takes only a handful of delinquent civil servants to cripple the state administration and tarnish its good image, says Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (pic).

       The Chief Minister said the reputation of the state government would be ruined by a few who were involved in criminal activities as well as corruption.

       "A civil servant should uphold the highest level of discipline and integrity.

       "Please make way for others to join the civil service if you are no longer keen to serve by upholding good ethics," he said after a courtesy call by Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye in Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh on Monday (Jan 17).

       Sulaiman said he would make sure that disciplinary action was taken against civil servants implicated in unlawful activities.

       "All of us will face the brunt of the people because of a few rotten apples.

       "The more effective way is to remove them and nip the problem in the bud," he said.

       Sulaiman said he had outlined the state government’s commitment to see more inclusive, creative and innovative approaches as well high moral values among civil servants during a New Year’s address recently.

       "But within a few days, we heard negative news about civil servants being caught for drug abuses and cheating on digital vaccination certificates," he lamented.

       Sulaiman said these few should be axed to save the image of the state government.

       He pointed out that Melaka has recorded a good Key Performance Index consisting of financial management, land, socio-economic development and human resources management with an achievement rate of 98.6% last year as compared to 97.22% in 2020.

       "Civil servants in the state should understand the concept of 'government of the day' and always support and implement all development policies and agendas so that the people will enjoy quality service," he said.

       On Monday, state narcotics chief Supt Zulkiflee Rashid said four civil servants were arrested between Jan 1 to Sunday (Jan 16) for alleged drug trafficking and abuse.

       On Jan 11, three civil servants including a couple, aged 38 and 33, were detained over the possession of fake MySejahtera Covid-19 digital vaccination certificates.