PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has reminded civil servants to be loyal to the country.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said although it is understandable for one to support certain parties and their leaders, loyalty to the nation should take precedence.

"Loyalty to the country should be above our loyalty to everything else. This is where we were born, live, raise our families.

"The one that gives us prosperity is the country," he reminded civil servants at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering on Monday (Feb 11).

The Prime Minister said that pledging allegiance to leaders and political parties is the norm, but people should no longer support them if the leaders fail to carry out their duties.

"We should not be loyal to them if they don't serve the interest of the country. Remember, our loyalty must first and foremost be for the country," he added.