SMJE CEO Dionysia Kibat (third right) presenting a RM50mil mock cheque for dividend payments to Hajiji from the state-owned GLC
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Chief Minister has again told statutory bodies and state-owned government-linked companies (GLCs) to work harder so that they could increase their dividend payments to the state.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said some were not performing up to expectations, pointing out that several did not contribute to the state in terms of dividend payments.
He issued the reminder particularly to the heads of these bodies and GLCs to buck up so that they could increase the state's coffers.
“From there, we could then give back to the people,” he said when closing the Sabah statutory bodies and GLCs board of directors (BODs) course cum dividend and contribution payment to the state government on Tuesday (Nov 26).
“If things stayed the same (lower payments), then I would need to find a way to improve this,” he added.
The statutory bodies and GLCs handed over mock cheques for dividend and contribution payments amounted to over RM143mil during the ceremony.
In October last year, Hajiji said he was disappointed over the lower amount of dividends paid by statutory bodies and GLCs.
Speaking to reporters later, Hajiji said it was just a reminder to the concerned parties.
“We hope they (heads of statutory bodies and GLCs) will improve their performance.
“This is because we put them there with a responsibility.
“We want the performance to be better, work harder, so our businesses will improve,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Hajiji said the BODs should not treat their positions as a privilege but as a responsibility entrusted to them towards achieving their objectives.
In addition to adding value to the organisation and safeguarding the interests and expectations of stakeholders, he said the BODs must prioritise regulations, corporate governance and uphold integrity.
He urged all members of BODs and the management of GLCs to intensify their efforts, be trustworthy and maintain integrity and good governance.
