KUCHING: The restriction on civil servants attending events involving alcohol applies only to government-organised functions or those held within ministries, agencies, or using government allocations and premises, says Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Sarawak chairman Kullin Djayang.
“The restriction does not include other functions such as those in hotels, community halls, and private premises in Sarawak and Sabah that are organised by parties other than the government.
“This must be clearly understood by all,” he said in a statement today (Oct 7).
Kullin reminded civil servants not to make negative assumptions about the recent Cuepacs reminder concerning events involving alcohol but to safeguard their image at all times.
He asserted that while the restriction does not cover traditional occasions, public servants are encouraged to behave with moderation during and after events to maintain dignity.
He noted that among the Dayak community, ‘tuak’ is a customary alcoholic beverage that forms part of Gawai Dayak, weddings, and other cultural celebrations.
“Everyone should understand and respect this,” he stressed.
As such, he called for calm, stressing that the directive was aimed at the common good and should not disrupt harmony.
“Unity and mutual understanding across races, cultures and religions remain a priority,” he added.
Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat had earlier stated that civil servants must refrain from attending functions involving alcohol in order to protect the integrity and reputation of the public service.
He said such restrictions were consistent with professional values and regulations under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, and urged government staff to seek clarification from organisers if unsure.
The statement came following criticism against Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Tourism Malaysia over a gala dinner that served alcohol during the recent Global Travel Meet.
Images from the event, which showed Tiong and guests holding wine and beer glasses, sparked backlash from both opposition and government leaders, with some calling for his resignation.
Tiong, however, clarified that the dinner was fully funded by the private sector and not his ministry, adding that the international event had generated about RM420 million in deals between Malaysian and foreign travel agents.
