Papar MP: Sabah Heritage Party’s statement is ‘prejudiced’

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KOTA KINABALU: A statement by the Sabah Heritage Party (Warisan) saying Umno had intervened to prohibit the blood donation campaign held by the opposition party in Papar recently, has been branded by Papar MP Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin as being prejudiced.

She said the opposition party’s statement was not only unprofessional, but gave a negative perception of the Papar Hospital administration and Umno Papar leadership.

Warisan, she said, should refer to authentic sources, as well as scrutinise and clearly understand public service regulations or circulars before issuing such statements.

“Under regulation 21 (1), of Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, Public Officers in Highest Management and Professional Management Groups are prohibited from participating in political activities or carry any logo of a political party.

“This is to avoid conflict with the principle of ‘neutrality’ and ‘impartiality’ practised in the civil service. This may also create a disharmonious environment at work, and if an officer is found violating the rules, disciplinary action should be imposed on them based on the rules mentioned above,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Rosnah, who is also Deputy Works Minister, said the main issue was that organisers of the blood donation campaign used the party’s name and the decision by the Papar Hospital’s director not to engage in such campaigns was in line with regulations.

According to her, such a programme should not be sensationalised to attract the attention of the community and, at the same time, used to belittle the duties and responsibilities of any party.

“The actions of the (organising) party can also be questioned, as why was it necessary to include the party’s (Warisan) symbol to implement the blood donation programme. Why not cooperate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), like those done by various parties before,” she said.

According to Rosnah, 11 blood donation campaigns had been conducted in Papar this year, involving cooperation between the Papar Hospital and NGOs.

Therefore, she said accusations that the hospital refused to cooperate and that Umno leaders prevented the blood donation campaign from being organised by Warisan were malicious and a political ploy attempted at bringing down the image of Umno leaders and government departments or agencies.

“And allegations that there had been interference by Umno leaders are unfounded, as no Umno leader in the district knew about the programme, what more to intervene in the matter.

“Although Umno/BN represent the government, Umno leaders in the district have never taken the opportunity to implement programmes using the party’s symbol,” she said. — Bernama