A former employee of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) in Malaysia faced repercussions after publicly sharing her unconventional lunchtime activities on TikTok.
The now-deleted video stirred controversy as she revealed going for karaoke sessions every Friday during her lunch break, which she claimed was “essentially three hours.” The incident prompted discussions about work ethics and employee conduct in government institutions.
TikTok Revelations Lead to Controversy
In the deleted TikTok video, the former DoSM employee disclosed her routine of indulging in karaoke sessions every Friday, leveraging what she asserted was a three-hour lunch break. Screenshots of her revelation circulated on social media, sparking debates about professionalism and accountability in government service.
While the video was removed, screenshots and discussions about the former employee’s revelations continued to circulate online. One X user, @heyizwanizzat_, shared the screenshots, questioning the hiring practices for government jobs and insinuating a lack of accountability.
Social Media Backlash and Criticisms
The revelation garnered public scrutiny, with comments expressing disapproval over the perceived misuse of work hours and a lack of dedication to professional responsibilities. The incident also raised questions about the hiring processes within government departments.
The X user’s comment, “How do you get a government job? This is how,” reflected concerns about potential nepotism or connections influencing the hiring process, as the former employee allegedly mentioned having familial ties within the department.
Confirmation of Employment Termination
DoSM Chief Statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin confirmed that the woman is no longer employed with the department. Her departure was attributed to the conclusion of her contract, indicating that the TikTok revelations did not lead to her termination but might have contributed to the public scrutiny, according to The New Straits Times.
The woman was reportedly hired through the Malaysia Short-term Employment Programme (MySTEP), which further fueled discussions about the transparency and effectiveness of such hiring initiatives.
Former Employee’s Apology and Clarification
In a follow-up video, the former government employee apologized for her earlier TikTok post, clarifying that the video was recorded in September the previous year. She emphasized that it was meant for entertainment and showcasing her surroundings, expressing regret for her choice of words in the comment section.