The Government must consider disciplinary action against the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali over his failure to invite Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers of all states to the special meeting on Covid-19 convened by Prime Minister.

The KSN's oversight of such magnitude at a time of public health crisis is totally unacceptable. One can only wonder if he is fit to carry out his duties, especially in the coming days and weeks where utmost professionalism and impartiality is required to contain the spread of Covid-19.

A national crisis decision making process requires responses, deliberations and decision making from all state government leaders. This was not a usual meeting to discuss and update the implementation issues of federal government projects, where the involvement of State Development Directors may be sufficient.

As the highest-ranking civil servant in the country, Mohd Zuki’s role is to evaluate and offer valuable advice to the Government of the day. Keeping political neutrality, maintaining the independence and professionalism of our civil service institution is the primary duty of our head of civil service.

It is disconcerting to have a KSN whose conduct cannot stand up to public scrutiny and whose impartiality has come into question. It runs counter the principle of good governance that CENBET promotes.

A commensurate disciplinary action against the KSN will be seen as an important step in restoring public confidence in the new administration of the country.