KUALA LUMPUR: The Temerloh High Court ruled that it was inappropriate to intervene or change the dismissal sentence imposed by the Pahang Public Service Disciplinary Board against a civil servant.
The board made the decision to dismiss Suhai Fandi Ramli, 46, after finding him guilty of not showing up for duty without leave, permission, or reasonable cause for 49 days and failing to scan his fingerprints to record his work attendance 13 times between January and April 2022.
Judge Roslan Mat Nor stated that the court believed the punishment handed down by the board fell within its jurisdiction, based on appropriate and reasonable considerations.
Accordingly, he said, the judicial review regarding the dismissal decision submitted by Suhai Fandi was rejected.
"Indeed, the discipline of a public service officer is something that should always be prioritised.
"Additionally, any problems faced by civil servants should be resolved by them through the mechanisms available in the human resource management system.
"This could involve receiving medical treatment or undergoing appropriate counseling sessions.
"What is clear is that any inefficiency and lack of discipline by public officials can affect services to the people, which must be prevented," he said last Friday.
Suhai was dismissed on Nov 11, 2022. He subsequently appealed to the Civil Service Disciplinary Appeal Board on Dec 20, which was rejected.
Through his appeal, Suhai stated that he was absent from duty due to mental health problems, specifically depression.
The judge said the board's decision against Suhai could be considered appropriate or reasonable.
"It would be different if there were evidence showing that the applicant (Suhai Fandi) had utilised mechanisms in the public service to address the health problems and emotional stress he is facing.