Why must civil servants be cautious with sensitive national issues?

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Civil Servants Must Exercise Caution on Sensitive National Issues

Civil servants are advised to exercise heightened vigilance regarding sensitive national matters, particularly those concerning the Jalur Gemilang and the 3Rs (race, religion, and the royal institution). This directive follows a recent error involving the national flag in an official Ministry of Education document, underscoring the importance of treating national symbols and sensitive topics with utmost care. The Public Service director-general, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, emphasized that the Jalur Gemilang represents national pride and must be displayed correctly and respectfully.
The Jalur Gemilang as a Symbol of National Pride

The Jalur Gemilang holds significant meaning as a symbol of national pride for Malaysia. It is imperative that civil servants understand and uphold the dignity of the flag, ensuring it is hoisted and displayed with the care and respect it warrants. Any lapse in this regard can be perceived as a disregard for national sentiment and unity.
Sensitivity Surrounding the 3Rs

Beyond the national flag, civil servants are also cautioned about matters pertaining to the 3Rs: race, religion, and the royal institution. These are inherently sensitive aspects of Malaysian society, and any mishandling or misrepresentation could lead to public discontent or unrest. Maintaining a cautious approach ensures that official communications and actions do not inadvertently cause offense or exacerbate existing societal divisions.
Recent Incident Highlights Need for Caution

The directive for increased caution stems directly from a recent incident where the Jalur Gemilang was displayed erroneously in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Examination Results Analysis Report. This error by the Ministry of Education prompted an instruction for a full report to be prepared, indicating that such oversights are taken seriously at the highest levels of government. The Public Service director-general's advice serves as a reinforcement of existing protocols and a reminder of the scrutiny applied to official government documentation and representation of national symbols.

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Why must civil servants be cautious with sensitive national issues?

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