Police officers are bound by civil service rules which prohibit them from publicly expressing personal views on matters of law and policy, according to two lawyers.
Speaking to FMT, former Bar Council president Salim Bashir said public servants must adhere to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. Any breach of these rules could result in internal action for misconduct, he said.
“Regulation 19(1) prohibits public statements that could undermine government policies or decisions without explicit permission from the minister in charge of the particular portfolio,” said Salim.
“In general, any form of public suggestion by government servants may fall under this prohibition.”
In August, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said 27 civil servants faced…