By Geryl Ogilvy
KUCHING, May 9: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has advised Pakatan Harapan (PH) not to dwell on the past when scrutinising the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
The chief minister said his administration was serious and committed to having a clean and transparent government. He has no interest in what happened in the past but is focused on efforts to achieve high integrity and a corruption-free government.
“I am aware of the opposition’s efforts of trying to run down my government by implying and insinuating that my government is corrupt. But we know, MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) are professional people. They do not succumb to pressure or interference from any quarters.
“MACC does not simply take action based on hearsay but based on the rule of law. They only take actions based on thorough investigation and hard evidence,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abang Johari reminded the august House that the PH government, on the other hand, was working with people and leaders of the past, and that PH had always rebutted any attempt by anyone to raise issues related to these leaders on their past practices by saying PH is a new government moving towards clean and good governance.
Explaining further, he pointed out that the state government was implementing massive development programmes and projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan, especially through the implementation of Projek Rakyat and Rural Transformation Project.
The state is allocating a huge amount of funds to finance the projects. The projects must be implemented based on the agreed cost, specifications and timeline, he emphasised.
Abang Johari said he would not compromise with anyone found to be involved in malpractices.
“We will ensure transparency and compliance with the existing rules and regulations as well as processes and procedures in implementing the projects. We don’t want any leakages in the system and will not tolerate if there is any unscrupulous act,” he said.
The chief minister said the State Cabinet and state agencies had taken the integrity pledge to ensure the Sarawak administration is clean, transparent and driven by people who are of high integrity.
The state government had also set up the State Integrity and Ombudsman Unit to drive the initiatives on integrity and transparency in its administration in collaboration with MACC.
“We are the first state to organise CeIO programme for state officers. There are 44 Certified Integrity Officers (CeIO) placed in the state ministries and departments to ensure greater transparency and compliance with the financial procedures.
“We trust that these integrity initiatives will bring benefit to all stakeholders, including the business community, in the state and earn their respect and confidence,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed gratitude to the state civil service for their unwavering support, total commitment, contribution and hard work in ensuring good governance and effective service delivery, especially in project implementation. — DayakDaily
