RTM staff protest against new D-G

KUALA LUMPUR: RTM staff members are against the appointment of Datuk Ibrahim Yahaya as the Broadcasting Department director-general.

The Information Ministry issued a statement announcing Ibrahim's appointment, which came into effect yesterday. Ibrahim, formerly media adviser to the information minister, succeeds Datuk Abdul Rahman Hamid.

RTM staff sent a memorandum protesting against the appointment to Cuepacs president Omar Osman (picture) recently.

Omar said the job should have been offered to someone from RTM.

"If outsiders are appointed, it will only deprive other officers of a chance for promotion."

Omar said Cuepacs had voiced its displeasure to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam.

PSD communication and public relations head Nik Noraini Nik Ya defended the move, saying appointments to the top posts in the civil service were opened to candidates from other sectors and disciplines since last year.

Officers of other disciplines and professionals with vast and relevant experience from the private sector could also apply to join the civil service, she said.

This was in line with the government's desire to recruit the best talent and best brains.