KOTA KINABALU: Initiatives to develop the state under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan will be accelerated and more efficient in the absence of corruption, according to Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief Minister emphasized that if all civil servants and private sector employees conduct their responsibilities with integrity, the development plans under SMJ can be successfully implemented.
“Eliminating corrupt practices and promoting integrity among the people requires commitment and cooperation from all stakeholders, including leaders, civil servants, private sector officials and workers, individuals, and family institutions,” he stated.
Hajiji highlighted that the state government, through the SMJ development plan, is dedicated to providing increased funding for three main drivers of economic growth: agriculture, industrialization and tourism, human capital and well-being, as well as infrastructure connectivity and green sustainability.
“These efforts by the state government aim to ensure the continuous growth of Sabah, aligning it with more developed states in the country,” said Hajiji, as conveyed by state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong at the closure of an integrity seminar at Lintasan Deasoka on Sunday (Sept 10).
He added, “Integrity and accountability in the public service are crucial to the successful realization of government plans, vision, and mission, particularly in this post-pandemic period where economic recovery is still ongoing.”
Hajiji stressed that a strong culture of integrity within the civil service will result in a more efficient, productive, and ethical workforce.
“Without integrity, there will be leakage, wastage, and failed plans – ultimately tarnishing the government’s image,” he cautioned.
Hajiji emphasized that people’s confidence and trust in the government play a vital role in ensuring the effective implementation of policies crafted.
He called upon the state secretariat office to prioritize strengthening integrity within the government system and encouraged the private sector, government-linked entities, and statutory bodies to establish their own integrity units.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
