ALOR STAR: The Kedah government today issued a warning to its civil servants, cautioning them against playing golf during office hours.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said effective immediately, civil servants are also barred from playing golf overseas, or participating in golf packages with contractors, suppliers or any individuals who possess an interest in the civil servants’ position.

“The image of civil servants in both state and Federal departments must be perceived to be clean from corruption, competent and efficient in carrying out their duties.

“They must also steer clear of any acts which are against the law,” he said in his New Year 2017 address to civil servants at Wisma Darulaman here this morning.

Ahmad Bashah urged all departments and agencies to practise casual management in order to reduce the gap between officers and the people.

He also ordered state departments and agencies to re-evaluate their standard operating procedures and to reduce red tape to improve the delivery system to the public.

“They are given a month from today to re-evaluate their standard operating procedures,” he said.-nst