Public complaints against rude and racist civil servants is rising, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T Murugiah.

"The Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) receive over 60 reports monthly on rude and racist civil servants. It can raise anger and used as an issue to cause conflict between political leaders," he told a press conference in Ipoh today.

He said PCB would not hesitate to recommend that departments and agencies take action including sacking, suspending or disciplining those responsible.

The latest case was reported on Nov 10 where a hospital nurse was said to have uttered racist words at a family.

Murugiah said the issue was made worse with the interference of politicians.

Most of the cases reported involved uniformed personnel like police, hospital and school staff.

- Bernama