"ASN's neutrality is a 'dead price.' Hence, we are optimistic of all ASNs adopting a neutral stance and steering clear of politics."Mataram (ANTARA) - Secretary of the Mataram City Administration H. Effendi Eko Saswito reiterated the need for state civil apparatuses (ASN) to remain neutral during the general elections, stating it was a non-negotiable matter, necessitating compliance by all concerned personnel.
"ASN's neutrality is a 'dead price.' Hence, we are optimistic of all ASNs adopting a neutral stance and steering clear of politics," he informed reporters in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday.
A supervisory mechanism is already in place in cooperation with the Mataram Election Supervisory Body, as a preventive measure against errant ASNs during the democratic fiesta.
To this end, the ASN cannot afford to be "playful" since the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) will report about any ASNs found to play politics or not maintain neutrality.
Reports obtained from Bawaslu and other communities along with solid evidence as reference will help to bring errant ASNs to book based on existent provisions.
"Hence, ensure there is no non-neutral ASN," he reiterated.
Speaking in connection with disseminating information regarding the ASN, the regional secretary noted that information on ASNs was often disseminated, so all personnel were well-aware, including of the consequences.
Similarly, non-ASN employees, reaching several hundred spread across various regional organizations in Mataram City, are required to adhere to the existing rules.
"Since non-ASN employees are also government servants, so they should maintain neutrality," he stated.
Sanctions in line with existent provisions will be imposed on non-ASN employees proven to have not maintained neutrality or been politically involved.
"We will urge them to make a choice on either continuing to be government employees or politicians," the regional secretary remarked.
Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
