JPA to submit proposal on action against civil servants who decline vaccines

The Public Service Department (JPA) will submit to the National Security Council (NSC) a proposal on action that can be taken against civil servants who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

JPA, in a statement, said several options for action and measures would be proposed to NSC, including a directive to make it compulsory for all civil servants to take the vaccine except those who have strong reasons to be exempted on health grounds.

According to JPA, almost 98% of civil servants have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

“This matter (vaccination) should be given priority to give confidence and assurance to the public who have to deal with civil servants at government premises,” said JPA.

JPA said the vaccination effort should be given priority to return government services to full operational levels based on the phases of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

On Sept 4, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat suggested that the government issue a special circular on civil servants who have yet to take the Covid-19 jab by explaining the actions to be taken against the group.

JPA said several measures could be taken by the respective ministries or departments based on the current regulations to ensure that civil servants as a whole take the vaccine.

In principle, civil servants are subject to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993] and have to comply with existing rules including in the matter of attendance on duty in the office when directed by the department head, it said.

“We must protect ourselves before we can protect others. #lindungdiri,lindungsemua!” JPA added.