Some complained about their superiors being absent from office despite their punch cards showing they had clocked in.

Others touched on corruption cases, and on being demoted for not listening to their superiors.

Mahathir said those who felt they had been victimised by the previous administration should make a report, and pledged to protect their identities.

“There are presently ongoing probes. Provide information on why you were abused,” he said.

He said officers should provide him with details so that he could discuss their problems with the relevant departments.

One participant suggested that the government remove the phrase “follow orders” from the declaration read by civil servants, and replace it with “follow work integrity or amanah”.

Mahathir agreed to have the change made.

There were also some who brought up the issue of heavy schoolbags carried by their children. Mahathir said he would look into the matter.

Some officers took the opportunity to pledge support for the present government.

But the prime minister reminded them that being loyal did not mean carrying out criminal activities on behalf of the leaders.

“An instruction is based on regulations, but hiding criminal evidence is wrong and against government policy,” he said.

Mahathir was also asked about the criteria for choosing the chief secretary to the government, a position currently filled by Ali Hamsa who was also present at the programme today.

Mahathir said he would normally wait for several recommendations to be made to him.

“I look at the background. Sometimes our assessments can be wrong or right.”