Ye Shalt Obey!

Thy Shall Obey

Every civil servant@ government employee is subject o the General Orders which necessitates him or her to be impartial or neutral politically. Therefore, he or she cannot associate him or herself with any political affiliations lest him or her risks being disciplined. The purpose of such ruling is to ensure that those employees are focused and dedicated to their task so that they can deliver. Nonetheless, such is not the norm nowadays as such is a right provided and protected by the Federal Constitution. Indeed, if one is to bring the case to the court, the court will see such 'prohibition' as an infringement to one's liberty. One thing for sure - thousands will be affected if such rule is strictly enforced! Both government and opposition leaning.

There is a misconception by many that the government is the same with the political organisation that is controlling it. Therefore, obedience to the government means obedience to the political entity, any acts of insubordination against the political party is therefore construed as acts of insubordination against the government. Does such argument hold water? Must every public employee be a member or at least align themselves to the political dogma of the political organisation that is controlling the government? If it is so then they are in contravention of the General Orders since the latter forbid them from affiliation with any political parties lest it hinder themselves from performing their duties.

If public officers are to affiliate themselves with the political parties that are in control of the government then certainly such is undemocratic since in democracy one is free to have his or her political belief which then translated into vote during the election. It is inconceivable to force those civil servants to be members of the political organisation controlling the government for many inherent reasons. One of them is, should they render any services to those known to be members of the opposition? If they are to do so then clearly it is an act of disobedience since they belong to the party controlling the government.

Public servants therefore should not be asked to render their allegiance to any political party so that they can remain impartial in the dispersal of their duties. Their responsibilities are liken to the lady of justice who is blind to circumstances that can hinder her from dispersing justice. One may have political leaning be it the ruling party or the opposition like in many developed countries including the US but those certainly not a hindrance for them to provide excellent services to the mass.

The mistaken and oppressive belief that public officers need to formally align themselves to the ruling party should be critically scrutinised. Political affiliation should not be imposed upon civil servants not only because it is against the prevailing General Orders but it is also goes against fundamental liberties provided and protected by the Federal Constitution. What need to be done instead is for them to render their services in the best possible ways irrespective of race, faith, colour, language and of course political belief!

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

John Quincy Adams