GOVERNMENT OFFICERS (Rudeness towards public)

Mr Chow Chiok Hock asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of complaints of rudeness by some Government officers towards members of the public, and what action has been taken in the matter.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr S. Ramaswamy) (for the Minister for Finance): I am not aware of any complaints, but if the hon. Member is aware of any specific incident, he should let me have the details for an immediate investigation.

The hon. Member may not be aware that there is adequate machinery to deal with allegations and offences of this nature. The Public Service (Disciplinary Proceedings - Delegation of Functions) Regulations were promulgated under the authority of the then Yang di-Pertuan Negara acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission in 1962. These Regulations authorise the Permanent Secretary in each Ministry to deal, among other things, with rudeness or discourtesy to the public by Government officials. Every such case is required to be investigated and, if proved true, the offender may be severely reprimanded and his record of service endorsed. More severe cases can be punished by forfeiture of up to half monthly salary or a fine of $200, whichever is less. The most severe cases may be reported by the Permanent Secretary concerned to the Public Service Commission for disciplinary action.