In a recent revelation, allegations of unpaid press secretaries serving under ministers of the current unity government have stirred the attention of Malaysia’s Public Service Department (PSD). Datuk Zulkapli Mohamed, the PSD’s director-general, has assured a thorough investigation into the matter.
Datuk Zulkapli expressed his concern to Berita Harian, asserting that his department would expedite the process to facilitate swift action against any involved parties. “We will check and get full information so that swift action can be taken,” he stated, signalling an intent to rectify any possible irregularities swiftly.
The allegations originated from an anonymous source quoted in a recent report, who expressed surprise at the emerging issue of unpaid press secretaries. The source maintained that no official had raised this matter during the latest meeting convened approximately two weeks prior.
According to this source, the matter should have been addressed through the appropriate channels instead of going public. “Such issues should be raised in press secretary meetings and resolved internally. They are professionally appointed, and it is necessary for all parties to serve professionally,” the source highlighted.
This controversy came to light after Free Malaysia Today reported on several press secretaries who alleged they had not received their salaries since the current unity government’s inception. The report suggested that the hold-up was due to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s delay in signing their letters of appointment.
This article is based on a report from malaymail.com.
