Outgoing PSD chief slams campaign against him after summary dismissal

The outgoing head of the Public Service Department (PSD) has slammed what he calls a campaign against him in the wake of his sudden termination, saying he will take legal action against those involved.

Mohd Shafiq Abdullah, who was let go effective Dec 12, said he was only served the termination letter that same day even though it was dated Dec 1.

He added that a "continous effort" to attack him had been stepped up through viral online posts as well as news outlets.

Shafiq, who began heading the department in February, also questioned the reasoning in a letter by Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali that his dismissal was for the sake of public interest.

"For the information of the Malaysian public, I would like to stress that I never threatened public interest in any sector or through my actions while serving as the PSD director-general. I have carried out my duties in a trustworthy and firm manner," Shafiq said in a statement today.

Shafiq also said there were civil servants who were not happy with several initiatives he had implemented since taking over the PSD.

"These include instructions for work rotations, surprise visits to the field, and the provision of feedback to improve the quality of service delivery, reduce red tape, and improve efficiency," he said. 

"These matters were not liked by a few public officials who have interests in the public service as well as with outside parties." 

Shafiq is the second senior civil servant to be axed since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim came to power.

On Dec 6, MalaysiaNow reported that treasury secretary-general Asri Hamidin had been told to go on leave as Anwar clocked in as the finance minister.

Anwar later reportedly said that a new secretary-general would be named.