ADUN Apologises After Bashing Civil Servants During Visit To Flood-Prone Area In Shah Alam
The state assemblyperson uploaded the video of himself rebuking the staff.
By May Vin Ang — 26 Oct 2021, 12:15 PM
Kota Kemuning state assemblyperson (ADUN) Ganabatirau Veraman has publicly apologised for lashing out at Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) employees during a visit to flood-prone area Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam recently
According to Harian Metro, Ganabatirau admitted that his actions were wrong after he uploaded a video of himself rebuking the staff on his official Facebook page on Saturday, 23 October.
In the Facebook post's caption, he said that he was asking for solutions and was dissatisfied with the answers given by the JPS staff regarding the ongoing flood issues in Taman Sri Muda.
The video drew both praise and anger online as Ganabatirau can be seen criticising the employees for "working so stupidly" and shouting at them to resign if they did not want to work.
"I voiced this not to be a hero, but to serve as an elected representative in the constituency," Ganabatirau said at a press conference at his office on Monday, 25 October.
"I am aware that I have acted rudely. Therefore, I sincerely apologise to those involved."
Earlier, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) urged Ganabatirau to make an open apology to all civil servants, especially the JPS staff involved, for his bashing
In a statement, CUEPACS president Adnan Mat said the conduct of the ADUN was disparaging and unprofessional, especially considering that the assemblyperson uploaded the video himself, reported Bernama.
Adnan added that the JPS staff were not given an opportunity to explain their side of the incident.
"CUEPACS also wants Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to intervene in this matter so that such incidents will not be repeated in future," said the congress president.
He also stressed that it was inappropriate for members of the state government to rebuke civil servants openly on social media.
Ganabatirau surveying the flood areas and water pump stations in Taman Sri Muda on Saturday, 23 October.
Image via Ganabatirau Veraman (Facebook)In the press conference, Ganabatirau also stressed that he was only carrying out his duties
As ADUN and also Selangor executive councillor for socio-economic empowerment, development, and caring government, he said that he has received several complaints from residents regarding the flood problems in the area.
"I found that the residential area was flooded to the waist level last week due to drainage problems," he said, as quoted by Harian Metro.
He added that he was worried as heavy rain is expected to fall for three days beginning 28 October in Selangor.
