Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Wednesday said the government will tighten oversight and take swift disciplinary action against civil servants who step out of line following a derogatory remark made by an education ministry official that has stirred public anger.

"It is hard to give excuses in regards to inappropriate remarks made by civil servants," Hwang said. "These mishaps are weighing down government's credibility and workers' morale."

Last week, an education ministry official referred to people as being like "dogs and pigs" while drinking with journalists. After the remark was reported, the ministry decided to sack the official.

Hwang added all civil servants must remember that each represents the government, and must be extra careful when making remarks and taking actions.

"The people expect a high degree of ethics from the public segment," said Lee Suk-joon, who heads the Office for Government Policy Coordination. "As people are keeping watchful eyes on the civil servants, ministries must bolster efforts to maintain discipline."

The government said it will deal firmly with all officials who fail to conduct themselves like civil servants, adding it aims to expand investigations on inappropriate remarks made by its workers.

Concerning the anti-graft act law that will go into effect in September, the government said it will make efforts to have civil servants better understand changes.

The so-called Kim Young-ran law, named after its proposer, subjects public officials, journalists and private school faculty to a maximum penalty of three years in prison or five times the amount accepted in money or valuables if they are worth more than 1 million won ($874) from one person in one installment with a max annual limit set at 3 million won, regardless of whether or not it was in exchange for favors. (Yonhap)