Yes, we do hire and fire in the government sector these days. Even though the firing process is a lot more complex in the government sector, it’s not a light matter. We view bad work performance as a serious issue.
— Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman, JPA director-general (2017-2018)
The recent termination of the services of Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar as Tourism Malaysia director-general (DG) and his demotion to deputy DG have sent ripples through the tourism industry – and the civil service.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing explained that he had no choice but to act accordingly against the former DG for alleged “underperformance and insubordination”, highlighting the government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency within its ranks. His decision stemmed from concerns regarding Ammar’s inability to deliver tangible results and his purported defiance of ministerial directives.
I believe Tiong acted because of the necessity for competent leadership to take the country’s tourism industry – a critical component of the nation’s economy – to a higher level.
He cited instances where Ammar purportedly failed to meet expectations, including discrepancies in target projections and inadequate engagement at the state level.
“Since he couldn’t perform well, I decided that whoever is capable should take on the role. If someone is incapable, step down to give others an opportunity. In fact, in a recent board meeting, I instructed him not to do something, but he did it anyway, so I asked for him to be demoted immediately.
“I don’t know if he was lacking of ideas or was unsure of how to implement them, but if one cannot deliver results, a change is necessary. I didn’t terminate his employment; I simply reassigned him.”
He said he would be made deputy DG (Planning). His grade – Pegawai Ehwal Ekonomi Gred Utama B – remains the same.
The minister claimed that Ammar had not implemented concrete plans to boost Malaysia’s foreign tourist numbers and had no engagement at the state level, adding that he had pushed for the agency to boost its Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia to five million, but Ammar would give a lower target number of three million.
Tiong said this showed Ammar had not proven his capability despite having a doctorate in tourism, denying his action against the latter amounted to power abuse.
The legality of Tiong’s actions finds its basis in the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992, which grants the minister the authority to appoint and revoke appointments as deemed necessary.
Chief secretary to the Government Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali said subsection 10(1) of the Act grants the minister the power to appoint a person deemed fit to be the director-general.
“The termination of Ammar’s services was under Subsection 10 (1) of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481), read together with Section 47 of the Interpretation Act 1948 and 1967 (Act 388). The appointment of any member may at any time be revoked by the minister without assigning any reason.
“The jurisdiction to appoint the director-general comes under the authority of the Minister Of Tourism, Arts And Culture, under the Act,” Zuki Ali said when asked about a leaked letter on the termination of Ammar and his reassignment as deputy DG.
The former DG, however, painted a different picture on Tiong’s action, lamenting the lack of communication with the minister on his performance and expressed surprise at the sudden dismissal after dedicating 36 years to the service.
Retorted Ammar: “If I am not performing, why does the number of tourists increase? Only the minister knows the reason he signed the letter.
“It does not say if I’ll be transferred to where, holding what post, and what grade. I also had no intentions of going against any directive or instructions. I feel sad, after serving for 36 years, with my experiences, I should not be treated this way.”
His sentiment, echoed by industry stakeholders, stresses the need for accountability and transparency and due process within bureaucratic structures in administrative decisions impacting senior officials.
Malaysian Tourism Federation secretary-general Dr Sri Ganesh Michel recently said Ammar’s abrupt dismissal and demotion had prompted significant inquiries within the top tourism organisation responsible for promoting tourism in Malaysia.
“We ask the minister and the prime minister to offer a detailed explanation for the termination. Let’s work together to promote transparency,” he said.
While Tiong asserts that Ammar’s dismissal serves the best interests of the tourism industry, the broader implications extend beyond individual performance evaluations. The episode highlights the government’s commitment to meritocracy and accountability within the civil service, a sentiment echoed by the stance of Public Services Department (JPA) on underperforming civil servants.
The government’s firm stance against underperformance, as exemplified by the JPA’s Exit Policy, introduced in 2016 for a check and balance system in the civil service is aimed at weeding out ‘deadwood’ employees, shows the government’s commitment to uphold integrity and efficiency within its ranks.
Civil servants should realise that the public service is not a haven that once they are hired, it’s their ‘given right’ to stay on until retirement age! The government should reinforce the notion that the civil service is a privilege contingent upon diligent performance and adherence to professional standards.
As we navigate the complexities of economic recovery and global competition, Malaysia needs competent and accountable leadership within key sectors such as tourism. Tiong’s decision, while contentious, signals a broader commitment to instill a culture of performance-driven employees and public service.
I believe the action against Ammar shows the government’s unwavering commitment to accountability and efficiency within its ranks. While the decision may spark debates regarding due process and procedural fairness, it highlights broader imperatives concerning meritocracy and professional standards within the civil service.
As Malaysia charts its course towards economic revitalisation, the need for competent and accountable leadership remains paramount in shaping the nation’s future.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
