“Why M’sians work abroad” – Govt Dept Slammed for Saying Workers Don’t Have Right to Holidays

Previously, we shared how the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) created a faux pas with a now-deleted social media post seemingly mistaking Chinese New Year with the Mid-Autumn Festival, garnering criticism from netizens.

Now, another government department has gotten flak from Malaysians online for a post relating to workers in the country, saying that civil servants don’t have the right to holidays.

“Leave is not a right”

Shared by the Malaysian Public Service Department (JPA) on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the post caught the attention of Malaysians due to the rather provocative first poster with a big text saying, “Leave is not a right”.

In the caption, JPA wrote,

“Leave is not our right. Leave is a facility given by the Government to members of the civil service. Please refer to the General Circular 7 until 11 Chapter C (Leave) and MyPPSM SR.5.1.1 to know further about annual leaves.”

Furthermore, in the second poster, JPA elaborated on the difference between annual leaves, sick leaves and permission to be absent from work for general emergency reasons.

Given the rather vague context of the post and the provocative title on the first poster, a majority of Malaysians reacted negatively to the post. More so, as the post seemingly alludes to workers in Malaysia not having the right to go on holiday.

However, do note that since JPA is the government department responsible for the civil service in our country, the post is likely meant for just civil servants.

Malaysians slam JPA for the provocative post

Nevertheless, Malaysians make their voice heard regarding the lack of welfare and protection available for employees in the country in general.

One commenter sarcastically asked JPA whether this was why the Government treated healthcare workers like robots and slammed the admin of the department’s social media account for the lack of media ethics and public relations skills.

Meanwhile, another commenter refuted the claim by JPA, saying that leaves are part of the rights safeguarded to workers under the Employment Act 1955.

Besides that, a few Malaysians attribute the Government’s lack of respect for workers in the country as the reason why many Malaysians decide to work overseas.

Another commenter slammed the wording used by JPA, saying that the department has failed by using such provocative words with the intent of spreading information.

However, there was one commenter who defended JPA, saying that the department was right in saying that leaves are not a right as employees need to apply for leaves first before they can be given.

So, what do you guys think of the post by JPA? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: “They were enjoying CNY holiday too” – M’sian Tells Others to Stop Insulting Bangladeshi Crowd in KL