PSC: Calling Colleagues 'Sayang' Or 'Dear' Can Result In Disciplinary Action At Workplace
Such expressions of endearment are now considered workplace sexual harassment, according to the Public Services Commission (PSC).
By Sadho Ram — 08 May 2023, 01:25 PM — Updated over 1 year ago
The Public Services Commission (PSC) has warned that calling colleagues "sayang" or "dear" are considered a form of workplace sexual harassment and such behaviour is an offence for civil servants
Such expressions of endearment are among the disciplinary offences for civil servants, as listed by the PSC in a circular dated 7 April, and shared with Sinar Harian in a report published on Saturday, 6 May.
According to the circular, calling a colleague "sayang" or "dear" is considered verbal sexual harassment, while actions such as touching, holding, groping, kissing, or pinching would be physical sexual harassment.
Additionally, sexting — which involves sending sexually explicit messages, photographs, or videos — through instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram is considered visual sexual harassment.
The civil servants found to have committed such offences will face disciplinary action under Regulation 4A of the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993, according to the PSC
Depending on the severity of the offences, the PSC can impose punishments that could be in the form of a warning, fine, emolument disqualification, suspension, demotion, or dismissal.
Extramarital affairs among civil servants will also result in disciplinary action.
Victims making a formal complaint about workplace sexual harassment are required to provide details such as the place, time, and date of the incident, as well as the place of duty where the offence took place.
According to the PSC, victims must also specify if they felt uneasy, insulted, or disturbed by actions categorised as workplace sexual harassment. It also stated that individuals who file a complaint about extramarital affairs must include accurate information such as the duration of said affair.
Image of a male colleague touching a female colleague under the pretext of helping at work for illustration purposes only.
Image via Free Malaysia TodayMeanwhile, the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) has voiced its support for the move
According to its secretary-general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin, the move may have been prompted by more frequent complaints and that there is no place for such behaviour or language.
"Only proper and polite words and behaviour should be used at the workplace. We fully support this move," Abdul said, adding that such incidents also put victims in an uncomfortable position, reported The Star.
He also noted that while victims may be afraid of coming to work, they should still speak up.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
Speaking of workplace sexual harassment, a survey found that 42% of women do not consider stalking a form of sexual harassment:
