KOTA KINABALU: Initiatives to further develop the state can be implemented faster and more effectively if there are no elements of corruption, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said that if all civil servants and those from the private sector are able to carry out their duties with high integrity, all development plans according to the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) concept can be done well.
“Efforts to rid this nation of corrupt practices and strengthen integrity among the people need the commitment and cooperation of all, including leaders, civil servants, private sector officials and workers, individuals and family institutions,” he said.
Hajiji said that under the SMJ development plan, the state government is committed to allocating bigger funding on three main economic growth elements – agriculture, industrialisation and tourism; human capital and people’s well-being; as well as infrastructure connectivity and green sustainability.
“This is the state government’s efforts to see Sabah continue growing and be at par with the other more developed states in this country,” he said when closing a seminar on integrity at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday.
His speech was delivered by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
Hajiji said all planned initiatives will be a waste if any of the implementers on any level fail to appreciate the SMJ concept, work with integrity and ditch corrupt practices.
“Integrity and accountability within the public service are vital in ensuring all government plans, visions, and missions are achieved with success, more so in post-pandemic era where economic recovery is still ongoing,” he said.
He said a strong culture of integrity among the civil service will produce a more efficient, productive and ethical workforce.
He said integrity is a holistic matter that does not only cover one aspect. It covers how people present themselves, how they are as people and how they make decisions.
“Without integrity, there will be leakages, wastages and failed plans, and the image of the government will be tarnished,” he said, adding that people will no longer have trust in the government or the civil service.
Hajiji said people’s confidence and trust in the government play an important role in ensuring that policies that are drawn up can be implemented effectively.
