Civil servants should be the bulwark to defend the government against attempts by quarters to undermine the country's economy and development by hurling libelous remarks, including in the social media, said Umno supreme council member Ismail Sabri Yaakob.    

He said civil servants should also keep all government's secrets and to ensure they were not leaked to enemies.    

"Government employees also have to be rational and sensitive in their role in disseminating information so that the people are able to get a true picture of the government's seriousness in implementing various development plans," he added.    

He told this to reporters after a breaking-of-fast event with department heads in the Bera district and presentation of Aidifitri contribution to the poor, orphans and senior citizens in Bera last night.

Ismail Sabri, who is Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister, said it was important for government employees to be closed with the people to ensure smooth implementation of development projects.    

Bernama